CXO Wants To Use Funds To Help Expand Runway

As state and local governments across the US put capital projects on hold to conserve recession-ravaged tax revenue, at least one Texas county is bucking the trend.

The Houston Chronicle reports that upon learning the federal stimulus bill contains as much as $3 billion earmarked for aviation infrastructure, Montgomery County Commissioners have voted to increase local matching funding to speed up completion of a $9 million expansion at Lone Star Executive Airport (CXO).

Federal funds could be used to lengthen the general aviation airport's current 6,000-foot runway 14/32 to 7,000 feet, which would allow corporate jets to take off with more fuel, allowing greater range. The windfall from the feds could enable the project to be finished in 2010, a year ahead of schedule.

But the county has also asked Airport Director Scott Smith to research costs and benefits of making the runway even longer, beyond what federal matching funds would cover, to accommodate large passenger jets used by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That federal agency pays to house federal prisoners in unused county jail beds. The county has a similar contract with the US Marshals Service.

Smith has warned commissioners that the airport would also need to develop on-site fire and rescue services, taxi and ramp improvements, lighting and fencing, before ICE flights would use the facility.

The county's share of costs for the $9 million expansion to 7,000 feet would be $940,000, including funds for needed advance studies. The airport's improvement plan also includes a new control tower, upgraded runways and new taxiways and hangars. Lone Star Executive is located about 37 miles north of Houston.

The US House and Senate have both passed versions of the stimulus bill, and are now meeting in conference to resolve what have been described minor differences between the two versions. Meanwhile, Montgomery County commissioners are excited at the possibility they might have a new economic development asset coming online by the time the recession ends.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador comments, "It could be huge. The economic impact would come earlier as opposed to later. The timing is perfect. We are really excited about it. We hope it happens."

FMI: www.co.montgomery.tx.us/air/index.html