San Marcos bought 170 acres to expand the regional airport alone.
In a move aimed at trimming the federal real estate footprint and cutting long-term costs, the U.S. government has moved more than 240 acres of underused land in San Marcos out of federal ownership.
The U.S. General Services Administration announced that two former Department of Labor properties next to the San Marcos Regional Airport have been transferred to local entities, with Texas State University and the City of San Marcos now holding title to the land. Federal officials said the transaction reflects a broader strategy to reduce excess property holdings while allowing “The successful disposition of these underutilized federal assets in San Marcos demonstrates GSA’s commitment to executing President Trump’s vision. This is a victory for the American taxpayer,” GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst said in a statement.
The properties sit east of the regional airport and include two distinct tracts. One covers more than 195 acres and contains a group of buildings near William Pettis Road, while the other is made up of more than 45 acres of undeveloped land. Earlier this year, Texas State University acquired approximately 75 acres from the northern tract, including the existing facilities.
The Commemorative Air Force-owned C-47 cargo plane “That’s All Brother” departs the San Marcos airport Wednesday, June 6, 2018 for an area flight as part of the organization’s D-Day ceremonies. The recently-restored and now San Marcos-based C-47 was the lead aircraft across the English Channel on D-Day. The CAF is making plans to fly the aircraft to England in 2019 to take part in the 75th anniversary of the invasion.
William Luther, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
The City of San Marcos later purchased the remaining land, totaling nearly 170 acres, for $1.68 million through a negotiated agreement. GSA said the sale was completed in cooperation with local and federal partners and followed all applicable regulations, allowing the land to be formally removed from the federal property inventory.
Texas State University plans to continue using its portion of the site for the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center, which provides training to law enforcement officers and first responders from across the country. The center also supports research focused on improving law enforcement responses to active shooter situations.
“We are grateful to the GSA for this thoughtful disposition of federal land, enabling TXST to expand the ALERRT Center, which allows us to serve more law enforcement personnel and first responders nationwide,” Texas State President Kelly R. Damphousse said in a statement.
City officials said the land acquired by San Marcos will support future expansion of the San Marcos Regional Airport, which they expect to drive additional aviation traffic and economic activity.
“This land purchase is an important step in supporting the long-term needs of the entire San Marcos community,” City Manager Stephanie Reyes said. “By securing this property now, we’re protecting an essential transportation asset, supporting economic opportunity, and ensuring surrounding land uses remain compatible as the city continues to grow.”