Originally published in 1997
On September 1, 1996, TxDOT approved a new statewide program. The RAMP (Routine Airport Maintenance Program) objective is to assist communities in maintaining their airport facilities by utilizing existing district maintenance programs. The program has already been an overwhelming success, in terms of community participation.
RAMP was designed to utilize “existing” district resources to the maximum extent possible, services that could be provided by district personnel or through district maintenance contracts. The purpose of the program is to preserve the federal/state/local investment in our statewide airport system. The minute order approving this program is intentionally broad to encourage flexibility in assisting airport owners.
However, certain items and types of work are not eligible under this program. As a general guideline the following is not eligible:
– Consumables, e.g. light bulbs, windsocks, utility bills, etc., are not eligible under this program.
– Capital improvements such as runway extensions, new taxiways, or apron expansions are not eligible under this program. (These types of projects are covered under TxDOT’s airport capital improvement grant program.)
– Replacement of existing items such as fuel tanks, and the cost of EPA compliance, are not eligible under this program.
Sponsors cannot provide a service as a substitute for cash. In-kind or force account work is not allowed under this program. Examples of eligible items include:
– Pavement: base repair, specific area repair, hot mix asphaltic concrete, fog seal, crack seal, milling, pavement rejuvenator, fuel seal
– Pavement Markings: RW-TW reflectors (centerline and/or edge), paint and bead striping
– Grading/Drainage: blading, erosion control
– General Maintenance: Sweeping, chemical vegetation control
The Aviation Division is authorized to pay for half of the work costs up to $10,000. each state fiscal year. Simply put, the Aviation Division provides the cash, and the districts provide the maintenance services.
Your district representative should be contacting your community to offer this new program. If you have not heard from them please call 1-800-68-PILOT for the name of your representative.
