Originally published in 2000
If you are in the vicinity of this thriving airport, don’t forget to stop by and help yourself to its hospitality and observe what they have done to their facility.
Jasper County-Bell Field received a $3.1 million capital improvement grant for the project, which included 90 percent from the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division’s Capital Improvement Program.
The project included runway reconstruction from 4,400 to 5,500 with new runway numbers, centerline and instrument approach markings. The approach end of runway 18 was relocated 1,100 feet south to avoid the displaced threshold previously required for clearance over Highway 190 north of the airport; part of the original pavement was retained as an overrun area and fog-sealed to match the new asphalt on the runway, taxiway and ramp areas.
Other airport safety improvements included the installation of a MIRL (Medium Intensity Runway Lighting) system; a new dual-box PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) approach lighting system for both runways 18 and 36; a new lighted windsock and segmented circle; new taxiway lights, signs and centerline reflectors; and installation of an A WOS (Automated Weather Observation System). Additional work involved the repaving of the airport entrance road and terminal parking lot, the replacement of ramp fencing, construction and paving of a new hangar access road, and the construction of a heavy vehicle access road and temporary ag-pad (staging area for agricultural operations by aerial applicators) pending construction of a permanent ag-pad and access road slated for inclusion in TxDOT’s Year 2001 Capital Improvement Program.
Flight support services available at JAS include 24-hour AV gas and jet fuel sales; a full-service A&P mechanic located on the field; 24-hour pilot access to the full-service DTN terminal and A WOS monitor in the airport terminal building; and an RCO on 122.5 to the Montgomery County FSS.
Blair Bisbey, Chairman of Jasper County’s Airport Advisory Committee has long served his community in this capacity leading the effort in the successful improvement of the facility. Bisbey, a private pilot, frequently flies an S-model BE-35 Bonanza for business and pleasure. Additionally, he serves as secretary of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee to TxDOT Aviation Division.
Congratulations for a job well done!