Beginning to shine

“For example, the runway reconstruction. The county paid additional money to keep that secondary runway at 100 feet [wide], because TxDOT wanted to reduce it to 75. The county also paid additional funding to keep the primary runway in concrete instead of asphalt. And the county went out and found additional funds for the tower.

“It’s pumping in additional capital, because it recognizes that the future of the airport needs to be able to meet demand.”

Also part of the growth plans is a business and technology park being developed adjacent to the airport, which the City of Conroe is heading up.

“Over the next ten to 15 years their plan is to attract corporate entities, and some of those will have corporate flight departments. And they’ll have a direct shot to the Interstate – no turns; I like that.”

The industrial park sits on some 270 acres, while there are some 240 acres available for development at the airfield, according to Smith.