The award for Most Improved Airport went to Dimmit County Airport in Carrizo Springs. “This airport’s full-time manager, Ernest Martinez, and the entire community take pride in their airport. Due to tremendous community support, this airport will continue to contribute significantly to the economy by attracting businesses and accommodating the area’s tourism. And it will continue to provide vital medical transport needs for a remote community,” said Mr. Fulton. State Representative Tracy O. King presented Mr. Martinez with a Resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives. Mr. Martinez also received a Resolution passed by the Texas Senate.
Other achievement awards presented at the Texas Airport Operators Conference include the 1997 Outstanding Airport of the Year Award which went to Lufkin’s Angelina County Airport. “This airport has the facilities and maintains the standards that we are striving to obtain for all of the airports in Texas. The airport accommodates corporate business and pilots, as well as those flying just for fun. This airport is one of the best airports in Texas,” stated Dave Fulton, TxDOT’s Aviation Division Director. Barley Lenderman, Airport Manager of Angelina County Airport and Angelina County Judge Joe Berry accepted the award on behalf of the community.
A new award this year for Personal Achievement was presented to Ray Davis, Airport Coordinator of Jacksonville’s Cherokee County Airport. During the presentation, Mr. Fulton acknowledged the central role Mr. Davis has played in the success of the airport stating, “This individual is persistent, dedicated, conscientious, and effective in everything he does for the airport. He is an outstanding example of what a difference one individual’s personal commitment can make.”
Doyle Dobbins of Grayson County Airport (Sherman-Denison), was named 1997 Airport Manager of the Year. During the presentation Mr. Fulton remarked, ”This manager has very high standards concerning the airport’s appearance, services and safety. His professionalism and friendly manner make him a person who is respected and well liked. Whoever said, ‘You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear’, hasn’t seen what this airport manager has made out of the former Perrin Air Force Base after it was conveyed to Grayson County as surplus property 26 years ago!” Due to this manager’s resourcefulness in generating income and acting responsibly with the airport funds, the airport is able to sustain all airport costs including the roads, terminal building expenses, and all airport upkeep and maintenance.