Texas’ general aviation airports are in immediate need of operational and safety funding to preserve existing facilities and prevent closures. A West Texas judge is trying to do something about it.
Terrell County Judge Dudley Harrison is leading counties in a concerted effort to secure adequate funding for maintenance and repair costs. “We (in Terrell County) are fortunate in that our facility is adequate, but there are far too many general aviation airports in our great State that are woefully inadequate. The federal curtailment of funding has and will continue to leave our communities incapable of accommodating basic air transportation.” Judge Harrison said.
Judge Harrison, who served in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991, pointed out that the economic vitality of many communities is directly dependent upon safe and well maintained airports. Federal funding for these airports has reached its all-time low, having dropped by ninety percent since federally assisted airports were created.
The Texas Association of County Officials (TACO) is working closely with county leaders in developing a legislative proposal to address this essential service and contribution to Texas’ economy. For more information, contact Carey Boethel at 1-800-456-5974.