In this Issue
As you know, Wingtips is the official publication of TxDOT’s Aviation Division and one of our primary ways of keeping the aviation community in Texas informed of local aviation developments across the state. In this issue, we are pleased to bring you a series of articles highlighting airports and aviation activities in the Texas Panhandle. While it is not our usual practice to focus on one region of the state, the growth and activity in the Panhandle is a story worth telling. The area has long been an agricultural hub for our state and nation whi!e more recently emerging as a major player in the energy business. The growth in the dairy business including the new cheese plant in Dalhart and the oil refining facilities near Borger and Dumas are some examples. All of this has contributed to a robust economy in which general aviation airports have played and continue to play a significant role. This was exemplified in our last issue by the story on Hereford Municipal Airport, its growth, and its role in the local and regional economy.
As you’ll see with this issue, there is a lot going on aviation wise in the Texas Panhandle. The Moore County Airport is home to the most recent public-private partnership success; with the Valero Energy Corporation making a major investment in the runway extension project that will lengthen the runway to 6,000 feet. In addition, we profile the Hutchinson County Airport in Borger and a related feature story on Jerry Parker and his Iskra Jets. Two additional stories highlight the proposed Randall County Airpark, which is currently in the site selection phase, and Cecil Ingram, who has been running the Dalhart Municipal Airport since 1949.
In our Advisory Board profile series this issue, we introduce you to Gordon Richardson who currently serves as Vice Chair. He is an active pilot and aircraft owner and has been a member of the board since 2002.
FAA Funding on the Way
Earlier this year, TxDOT’s Aviation Division received 75 percent of the anticipated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for fiscal year 2008, leaving some question as to whether or not we would receive the remaining 25 percent. I am glad to report that the remaining 25 percent of the funding should be on hand by the time you read this newsletter. We are still operating under a “continuing resolution” as Congress has not yet come to terms with reauthorization of FAA programs. In all likelihood, we will not see FAA reauthorization until well after the new president and the new Congress begin work after the first of next year. Hopefully, FAA program reauthorization will become a priority for the new Congress giving needed stability to the FAA Airport Improvement Grant Program.
Please be sure to send any comments or story ideas to us at [email protected].
We hope you enjoy this issue!
