Originally published in 1996
Although insufficient funding for airport capital improvement and major maintenance projects is a major obstacle in efforts to build and maintain an adequate general aviation airport system in Texas, lack of proper routine maintenance continues to present a major challenge. As a result, the Aviation Division has seen a significant reduction in useful life of pavements and other facilities at many of our state’s airports.
With the Texas Transportation Commission’s recent approval of a proposal to create a state airport maintenance program, designed to assist local governments in the repair and maintenance of general aviation airports, we can now begin to meet this challenge.
“We know local governments are strapped financially and they are having a hard time taking care of their many airport maintenance needs,” said Bill Burnett, TxDOT’s Executive Director.
The program will begin on a pilot basis in 55 counties in TxDOT’s Abilene, Amarillo, Lufkin, Pharr and Tyler districts.
These five districts will offer publicly owned airports an opportunity to be included in their annual maintenance work programs for routine maintenance work items such as crack repair, seal coats, herbicide application, and pavement striping. TxDOT will provide airport owners with an estimated cost for each work item. Sponsors electing to participate in any or all of the work items in the program will execute an agreement with the Department for the work desired and will be charged only for actual costs incurred.
TxDOT’s Aviation Division will set aside state funds to be used as a 50% match for routine maintenance conducted through the Department for publicly-owned airports located within the pilot program’s districts. Funding of up to a $10,000 maximum per year will be provided for each airport.
“Not only will the pilot program enhance our overall aviation efforts, but it’s also good business,” said Tom Griebel, TxDOT’s Assistant Executive Director for Multimodal Transportation. “An aggressive maintenance program will help to protect the taxpayer’s investment in our airport system.”
The Routine Airport Maintenance Program will enhance TxDOT’s ongoing aviation program, optimize the use of available resources and enhance communication and coordination with local officials, all of which are goals of TxDOT’s strategic plan.
Details are being worked out to assure the success of this pilot program. Communities with airports in the five “pilot program” districts will be contacted soon to discuss application procedures and the details of the program such as unit costs for work elements, work scheduling and coordination. Pleased with the approval of this program, Aviation Division Director David Fulton said, ”This program is a major step toward making all of TxDOT’s resources readily available to the general aviation community.”