The City of Paris has been fortunate to receive funding over the years for Cox Field Airport. This funding has allowed the City of Paris to make great strides in improving our airport facility, which is a very important part of our community. As more improvements are made, it seems more local interest is aroused. Over the past five years, the City of Paris has raised approximately $185,000 in local funds to complete projects that were not able to be funded through federal or state funding. Those funds came from either the general operating budget or through Certificates of Obligation.
We all know airport improvement funding is a must to ensure Texas airports are continually improved and are as safe as possible for the flying public. We all appreciate the funding that is available for Texas airports. Many times I feel this funding is taken for granted. We cannot rely solely on federal and state funds to upgrade airport facilities. Once funding is received, the city’s governing body should become even more active in their airport development. I believe this is the key to the success of an airport. When federal and state agencies are putting dollars in our local airport, the local governing body is more apt to approve local funds for airport improvements.
Things are happening at Cox Field. Our airport is safer. More planes are being hangared and more private hangars are being built. A 16,000 square foot private hangar presently under construction will house a Beechcraft 35, 200 King Air, Citation II and a Gulfstream II. An increase in aviation activity has occurred, thus providing increased revenues both for the City of Paris and the fixed base operator.
The local governing unit must take a very active role in promoting the local airport. When you combine this with federal and state funding and a local flying public with a genuine interest in their airport, you have the ingredients for an airport that entities involved are very proud of.
– Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities, City of Paris