Originally published in 1994
Travis McLain, Airport Manager of the Year
Travis McLain, was presented with the “Airport Manager of the Year” award for his outstanding management of the Georgetown Municipal Airport. With the exception of federal/ state grants, the airport receives no funding from other sources. Operational costs for the airport, employee salaries and utilities (including the runway lighting), are provided solely from what is generated on the premises. Mr. McLain’s attention to the airport’s project needs, and his commitment to operating Georgetown Municipal as a safe, service-oriented, and well-maintained airport, has earned him the Aviation Division’s 1994 Airport Manager of the Year Award.
Garner Field, (Uvalde) – Airport of the Year
A well maintained airport, competent and professional staff and community support earned Uvalde’s Garner Field the “Airport of the Year” award. There are many active businesses at the airport which are supported by the community and which provide direct economic benefit to the City of Uvalde. Southwest Texas Junior College is located at the airport and is one of the few junior colleges that offers a two-year flight training program. The city obtained funding and recently built another 13,000 sf hangar to accommodate the continued growth at the airport. Garner Field provides a very positive image for the City of Uvalde, including attracting the 22nd World Soaring Championships which brings hundreds of international sailplane enthusiasts to Uvalde. Accepting the award is Mr. & Mrs. Tom Huffstutler.
Mid Valley (Weslaco), Most Improved Airport
From construction of a new terminal building to hiring a full time airport manager, the Weslaco Airport has earned the title “Most Improved Airport”. The terminal was constructed with only local funds, showing the strong commitment to developing and maintaining the airport as an integral part of the city’s infrastructure.
Franklin County Airport (Mt. Vernon), Outstanding Community Involvement and Support Award
When a new airport was constructed in 1986, the residents of Franklin County saw an opportunity to construct a facility that would also function as a community center. Franklin County residents and the airport board recognized that a multipurpose facility would benefit not only aviation enthusiasts, but the entire community as well, and undertook the task to raise the money solely from local contributions. Approximately 16,000 people annually now use the facility for scout meetings, reunions, dances, wedding receptions and aviation events.