By Kathy Griffin and Raymond Hicks
The Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) is a state funded, 50 percent matching grant for maintenance work such as crack repair, slurry seals, pavement markings, drainage, herbicide and fire ant control, limited pavement failure repair, and repair and maintenance of beacons, lighting and approach aids. Since the program was started in 1996, there have been changes as local airport sponsors have discovered the versatility of the program.
Initially, the program was a 50 percent match not to exceed $10,000 for each eligible airport for each fiscal year. In 1999 we requested and received approval to increase the state match to $20,000, and in 2001 we will be able to offer a $30,000 match for maintenance work. The program has also been expanded to include non-hub primary airports in addition to general aviation and reliever airports.
In addition to the increases for the matching funds, the program has been expanded to include “lower cost” airside and landside improvements. For example, if your airport has addressed maintenance for airside pavements and has improvements like construction or maintenance for the airport entrance road; paving or expansion of airport public auto parking lot and the installation of security fencing, the RAMP grant program may be used.
Recently the City of Terrell requested assistance in the renovation of their terminal area. Raymond Hicks, TxDOT Dallas District RAMP coordinator, worked with Stan Ballard, Terrell City Engineer, to coordinate this RAMP project. Once the project was approved and a RAMP grant was in place, the renovation work began. The city replaced the hangar roof, painted the hangar white with their own funds, and then upgraded the terminal area using the matching state funds.
TxDOT would like to commend the hard work done by all involved in this project: Tom Norton, Tenco Properties, Inc., and director, American National Bank; Karl Sigler, Tenco Properties, Inc.; Mark and Melissa Hardin, Terrell Aviation, Inc., FBO; Stan Ballard Jr.; Raymond Hicks; and Tommy Johns, TxDOT Dallas District architect.
The Aviation Division looks forward to seeing communities improve their airports by taking advantage of the RAMP matching grant. Please call 1/800/68-PILOT for more information concerning this program or to obtain your district RAMP coordinator’s name.
