Those at Fairfield City Council last week were given a video presentation (Click Here to View) from the Texas Aviation Conference held March 27-29, 2018 in Galveston, Texas.

City Administrator Jeff Looney and Councilmen, Joe Lee Kirgan and Landis Bayless, attended the three-day conference.

“It was a good event for us,” says Looney.  “The City continues to stay in contact, build relationships.”

Previously, Fairfield had a feasibility study conducted that included an airport attached to their Industrial Park.  “We would like to see at least a 4,200 foot runway with hangars, fuel and pilot’s lounge,” says Looney.

During the Conference, the City Administrator says they learned that grant funding at the state level will be slightly higher than last year, from $10 million to $12 million.

This is part of the Omni Bus Act passed by Congress, with monies available in September 2020.

According to Looney, this money would be slated for use in rural counties and cities, and represents 100% funding.  “The City of Fairfield does seem to fit the model that the Federal and State Government are looking for,” he says.

If the project is pursued, an airport in Fairfield would be a General Aviation Airport.

According to TxDOT, General Aviation activity in Texas accounts for 61,900 jobs, a total payroll of $2.5 Billion, and more than $8.7 Billion in economic output.

Over 220 airports are in this list, including:

 

                           Employment      Payroll                 Economic Output

Athens                5                               $   131,000             $     399,000

Corsicana          41                              $1,016,000            $12,332,000

Crockett            3                                 $     62,000            $     929,000

Mexia                62                               $1,015,000            $  4,698,000

Palestine           5                                 $   139,000            $    306,000

 

Job creation extends further than just the airport, itself.  According to the City Administrator, it would provide opportunities for new business to open at the airport, such as a fixed-based operator, an airplane mechanic, a painter and upholstery shop.

“This could give our kids lots of opportunity,” says City Administrator Looney.  “They could have a career, and not just a job.”

It is important to note that all TxDOT airports are open for use by the public.

According to the City Administrator, building the kind of airport Fairfield has considered could cost between $12 and $17 Million, with government grants available to pay 75%, 90%, or even 100% of the cost.

Government funding does not end with building the airport.  Looney says that, with a Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP), the City could get 90% of their maintenance expenses (estimated at $60,000 annually) put back in the bank each year.

TxDOT is updating the Economic Impact Study for General Aviation for our State.  According to the City Administrator, the proposed airport in Fairfield is being included in that study.

Looney says that Building an airport is a long-term project that could have a positive impact on Fairfield.  “I totally support the idea, if the timing is right, when it’s right.”

The video presentation, TxDOT Aviation Division “Destination Texas,” may be found online at YouTube.com