The Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) was established in 1996 as a grant program to support general maintenance and improvement projects in our airport system. RAMP is supported by all 25 Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) districts and is available to nearly 300 airports statewide.
Michelle Burcham and Sam Kent
RAMP coordinators are TxDOT district designated employees who work with the Aviation Division to provide assistance to airports in their districts. TxDOT districts perform many maintenance functions at our airports with considerable cost savings.
The RAMP Coordinator of the Year award recognizes coordinators who have shown either long-term dedication or exceptional achievement over the past year.
Sam Kent, this year’s recipient of the RAMP Coordinator of the Year award, has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to supporting aviation infrastructure across the San Angelo District.
Known for his proactive approach, Sam regularly visits airports independently to assess conditions and identify maintenance needs. His initiative has helped the district effectively address pavement issues and other challenges through the RAMP program.
Many of the airports in Sam’s district are small and operate with limited resources, making his expertise especially valuable. His efforts have ensured that these airports receive timely support, making the most of the program’s resources.
Sam also played a leading role in organizing a district-wide meeting that brought together TxDOT engineers, maintenance personnel and airport sponsors. This meeting served as an important opportunity to discuss the RAMP program and clarify TxDOT Aviation’s role in capital improvement programs and maintenance efforts.
He is recognized not only for his responsiveness and knowledge, but also for his willingness to seek guidance on FAA requirements to better support the airports in his district. His dedication and initiative have made him a key asset to the TxDOT Aviation team.