Originally published in 2001
Over 1,000 people were drawn to the Wood County Airport Dedication and Business Exposition which was held in June to celebrate the culmination of four years of work and approximately $1.3 million of improvement on the local airport located in Quitman, Texas.
The airport facility now has a 4,000-foot runway. extended from the original 3,400 feet 60 feet wide and with a 300-foot compacted overrun at both ends. This runway is capable of handling all propeller aircraft as well as small jets. A major feature of the improvement project is the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) at the end of runway 18, which directs approaching pilots into the proper glide path. Moreover, the runway lighting system is now radio-controlled, under low, medium and high intensity settings. Another important feature is a new, energy efficient beacon with greater candle power, which is aided by a new and taller beacon tower that can now be seen by pilots for many miles.
The completion of the Wood County Airport upgrade and extension project creates new economic development opportunities for the area by making it more attractive for new businesses and energizing the growing Wood County tourist industry.
At the end of the ceremony, officials, dignitaries, special guests and curious spectators were treated to several flyovers, bright balloons released against a sparkling sky, static displays and an array of World War II airplanes parked on the tarmac. Indeed, a great time to celebrate this accomplishment!