Airport Will Cater To Both GA And Biz-Av Traffic

By ANN Correspondent Rob Finfrock

Call it the anti-Meigs. 

In a departure from what is seemingly an all-too familiar trend nationwide,  the FAA has approved opening up the planned private South Waller County Airport for public use. 

The airport is to be located in a rural area approximately thirty miles west of the Houston metroplex, and will cater to both private light aircraft and corporate jet traffic.  Within a year of its opening, the airport will feature community and corporate hangars, a restaurant, and a public viewing area for aircraft utilizing its 4500' x 75' paved runway with ILS and GPS approaches, according to the airport website.  Future plans call for additional hangars, expanded facilities, and a second 7000' x 100' runway.               

South Waller County Airport is the idea of Houston businessman and pilot Ron Henricksen, and will be built on land that he owns in Brookshire, TX.  It will also be built using his own money.  "If I don't build an airport on the west side of Houston now, someday the taxpayers of Houston will have to do it," says Henriksen on his website.  "I can build a prestigious business airport for less money than it would cost the government and I will not accept taxpayer money."

In keeping with the area's rural location, and to no doubt stem some criticism about the airport's impact on the environment, the airport will utilize a green space conservation program between runways and taxiways, as well as open public areas. 

"We are also designing the airport to reflect traditional central Texas small town architecture," says Henriksen.

Barring any unforeseen obstacles -– or a certain mayor of a certain large Midwestern city suddenly taking an interest in Houston politics -– the airport's developers hope to begin construction before the end of the year.                                                                                                                                   

FMI: www.southwallercountyairport.com