Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks a New Era for Local Aviation: The Launch of the State-of-the-Art Airport Fuel Farm

As the fuel farm moves from groundbreaking to operational status, it promises to enhance the efficiency and reliability of aviation services in the area.

The City of Pleasanton celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Airport Fuel Farm today at the Pleasanton Municipal Airport. This project, a testament to collaboration and foresight, marks a significant milestone in enhancing aviation services and operational efficiency in our region.

The journey to this pivotal moment was spearheaded by a group of visionary leaders who recognized the need for a state-of-the-art fueling facility to replace our decades old and much outdated fuel tank. At the heart of this initiative was Airport Manager JJ Roberts, whose leadership and determination catalyzed the project's inception, and who played a crucial role in outlining the project's technical and operational requirements, while City Manager, Johnny Huizar, brought funding partners to the table to help make the project possible.

The project was made possible through a collaborative partnership with TXDOT Aviation, where in a strategic meeting held in Austin, the concept of making the local airport a pilot program for other airports was born. Funding for the Airport Fuel Farm was uniquely structured to maximize cost savings for the city, with 75% of the costs covered through TXDOT Aviation’s Non-Primary Entitlement grant (NPE), which is part of the Aviation Capital Improvement Program 2024-2026. The City took the initial step in financing the project, with an agreement in place for reimbursement by TXDOT Aviation. This innovative approach not only highlights the fiscal responsibility and the efficient allocation of public resources, but also underscores the potential for scalability and replication in other regions.

Acknowledgment is due to several key figures and organizations whose support was instrumental in bringing the fuel farm project to fruition. Congressman Henry Cuellar's advocacy and support at the federal level were invaluable in securing the necessary endorsements and funding. The Mayor and City Council demonstrated unwavering commitment to the project, providing the necessary local governance support, and Bassco Services for the engineering plans and design.

The new Airport Fuel Farm is not just a facility; it is an example of innovation, collaboration, and progress. It stands as a model for future aviation infrastructure projects, demonstrating what can be achieved when community leaders, government entities, and stakeholders come together for a common purpose. As the fuel farm moves from groundbreaking to operational status, it promises to enhance the efficiency and reliability of aviation services in the area.