Congressman Cloud Tours Smithville Municipal Airport

By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher

By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher

U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud toured the Smithville-Crawford Municipal Airport on Friday, Aug. 15, as part of a broader visit to industries in his 27th congressional district, highlighting the facility's growth and potential federal funding for upgrades like runway extensions.

The visit, organized by the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, included meetings with local officials to review the airport's long-term master plan and safety enhancements. Cloud's district encompasses parts of Bastrop County and the cities of Smithville and Bastrop.

“Smithville’s airport has grown from about 10,000 flights just a couple of years ago to more than 12,000 last year, and it’s on track to reach 20,000 this year," Cloud said in a statement. "That growth shows how much this airport means to Central Texas. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with the team, tour the facility and discuss needed upgrades that will keep the airport safe, reliable, and ready to serve the families, businesses, and military flights that depend on it.”

Expansion efforts at the airport date back to a 2017 master plan report that outlined strategies for lengthening the runway, which would require burying power lines at its south end, to accommodate larger aircraft and increased traffic. The report projected significant economic benefits from these developments.

Dori Kelly, business attraction, retention, and expansion manager of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, emphasized the airport's broader impact.

“I truly believe, personally, that the Smithville airport is an asset to the region, not just the city of Smithville," she said in a phone interview Monday. "So any enhancements that are made to the Smithville airport, I think could eventually assist in all sorts of economic impact for the region. I consider it a major economic development tool and asset that the city of Smithville has.”

In March 2024, the city took over fuel concessions at the airport and significantly lowered the price of aviation fuel. That resulted in more planes stopping to refuel, boosting traffic.

It has also increased spending on aviation fuel. City budget documents show the city paid nothing for aviation fuel until the fiscal year 2024 budget, when it spent $98,054. As of Aug. 12, the city has spent $201,158 on aviation fuel. It has $180,000 budgeted for next year.

Smithville City Manager Robert Tamble called the meeting with Rep. Cloud productive and underscored the need for federal support on a key project.

“We look forward to any assistance he can provide to help the City of Smithville secure federal funding to bury the LCRA and BBEC high voltage generation / transmission lines at the south end of the airport runway to allow future expansion,” Tamble said in an email Tuesday. “This is a multimillion dollar initiative that will be coordinated through TXDOT, the FAA, LCRA, and BBEC. The City of Smithville has maintained a good working relationship with Congressman Cloud and his support staff since his election in 2016 representing Texas's 27th congressional district.”

Development near the airport is already underway. The City Council approved a replat in August for a 69-acre parcel in the triangle between Highway 71 and Highway 95 that will become the Smithville Industrial Complex. Tractor Supply is expected to be the first tenant.

During a June 23 budget workshop, Tamble said Buc-ee’s is considering opening what could be the world’s smallest location at the airport, potentially boosting local tourism and revenue.

The visit underscores ongoing collaboration between local, state and federal entities to position the airport as Smithville’s “crown jewel” for economic growth.