BDA director: Chase Field added to Texas airport system plan, unlocking state funding
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Summary
Michael Blair, executive director of the local development authority, told commissioners Chase Field was added to the Texas airport system plan, making the airfield eligible for state reimbursements (~$100,000/year) and 90/10 grant matches to support maintenance and capital improvements.
Michael Blair, executive director of the B Development Authority (BDA), told the court that Chase Field and the BDA were added to the Texas airport system plan — the first airport entry of its kind in 15 years, he said — opening the airfield to state funding and reimbursement opportunities.
Blair said the state-recognition status brings three broad revenue streams for airports in practice: rent, fuel sales and grants. He estimated the initial state reimbursements could amount to roughly $100,000 per year for airfield maintenance and said the BDA would now have access to 90/10 grant matches for eligible projects. "This is the first federal or state money, funding contribution to the BDA since the closure of the Naval Air Station Chase Field in 1993," he said.
Blair thanked local state delegation members for their support and the BDA board for backing the effort. He also said the designation increases the BDA’s ability to pursue capital improvements and economic-development opportunities at the airfield.
The court welcomed Blair’s report and congratulated the BDA on its early success in accessing state airport funding.
