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The Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport recently gained approval to receive a $1.7 million grant from the Texas Transportation Commission to fund improvements. Courtesy / Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport
Funds to be used for pavement improvements
Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a $1.7 million grant approved by the Texas Transportation Commission at its December meeting will fund improvements at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (KSLR) in Hopkins County.
The funds will be used for planned pavement improvements through the city of Sulphur Springs, and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system. A project construction bid will be executed this winter, officials said.
“I’m thrilled that we were able to get this grant,” airport director Joey Baker said. “Our community has made a huge investment, and I think that city council, city management and the EDC [economic development corporation] understands that the airport can be a significant part of our overall economic engine.”
According to a 2011 General Aviation News (GAN) article, the airport made improvements to drainage and its runways, including changing from asphalt to 6 inches of concrete. This new grant, which TxDOT and the Federal Aviation Administration split, will be used in maintaining those improvements, Baker said.
“I’m excited that the TxDOT Aviation Division and the FAA also recognize that the community supports the airport in partnering with us on this funding project,” Baker said.
The first landing at what was to become the municipal airport occurred May, 19, 1938, according to the airport’s website, and the airport marked its 75th anniversary in 2013. According to the GAN article, investments made by the city, EDC and community have “spawned $12 million in private investment.”
This year, TxDOT expects to provide approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining community airports. Approximately 275 community airports in Texas are eligible for funding.
Arrivals and departures from community airports account for more than three million flight hours per year, and provide aircraft facilities for agricultural, medical, business and commuter use.