news

Underneath the Midland Airpark lies what could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars in mineral wealth tied to oil and gas production.

U.S. Congressman August Pfluger and Midland Mayor Lori Blong say they’re determined to ensure those revenues stay in Midland.

The Legal Dispute

Texas law states that if you own the surface of the land, you also own the minerals beneath it. However, federal law gives the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the authority to claim royalties from minerals located under airport property, including those under Midland Airpark.

At a joint news conference held at ClayDesta Plaza in Midland, Mayor Blong and Congressman Pfluger made it clear that they intend to challenge that rule.

“What’s produced in Midland needs to stay in Midland. Quite frankly… what is produced in Midland needs to stay in Midland,” said Congressman August Pfluger (R) TX - 11.

Millions on the Line for Midland

Mayor Blong says the land beneath the Airpark was purchased in 1942, along with nearby acreage, making taxpayers the rightful owners.

She adds that the dollar amount at stake is significant.

“We’re not talking about a small amount of dollars. I want you to understand... over the life of the mineral production under Midland Airpark, we’re talking about several hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Lori Blong, the Mayor of Midland.

Blong added that some drilling is already underway on the east side of the Airpark and revenue is starting to flow, but federal regulations currently restrict those funds to airport-related use only.

City leaders want to change that, redirecting those funds toward community projects like water development and infrastructure improvements— without raising taxes or taking on new debt.

“I believe these should be part of a long-term strategic plan, which we have already put in place as a council— to use our long-term strategic plan, identify some of these large projects that need to be completed for water and infrastructure first of all, and then we apply these dollars to those so that we don’t have to go to the community for bonds or for other things that would require a tax increase," said Mayor Blong.

Next Steps: Working With Washington

Both Mayor Blong and Congressman Pfluger say they are working closely with the Department of Transportation and the FAA to explore solutions— whether that means revising federal law or negotiating a fair deal for the city.

“At the end of the day, this really is about fairness. This is about local control. This is about delivering to Midland what is rightfully the City of Midland’s,” said Congressman Pfluger.

A “Game Changer” for Midland’s Future

Mayor Blong says any revenue earned from these minerals won’t be used for yearly operational costs, but rather for long-term investments in major city projects.

She called it a “game changer”.

A way for the city to plan responsibly for the future without placing additional financial burdens on taxpayers.

Both local and federal leaders say communication remains open with the FAA and the Department of Transportation, and they’re optimistic about finding a solution that keeps Midland’s money in Midland.

We will keep you updated as this story develops.