By Michael Arcand
The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on September 10 at Wood County Airport/Collins Field, marking the start of a new chapter for Steck Aviation, a family-owned aviation management and aircraft services company with deep roots in Wood County.
It’s a big moment for the airport, and folks around here are optimistic it won’t be the last. Steck’s expansion is widely expected to spark continued private investment and economic growth at the airfield for years to come.
“With the airport’s recently completed 5,006-foot runway, Wood County is now positioned to accommodate a broader range of corporate and private aircraft,” said Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC. “Steck’s involvement will build on that runway investment by adding aviation infrastructure, increasing aircraft activity, as well as creating additional demand for fuel, maintenance, hangars, tourism, and other aviation services.”
What It Means for Wood County
The ripple effects won’t stop at the runway. Thomas pointed out that “increased corporate aviation can bring executives, business owners, and visitors directly into Wood County, benefiting local businesses and supporting additional economic activity.”
“This expansion shows how public investment in infrastructure can open the door for private investment,” Thomas said. “The County has made improvements to the airport, and now those improvements can help attract new businesses, encourage private development, and create more economic activity in the area.”
She also credited the Joint Airport Agreement, with Wood County, Mineola and Quitman serving as sponsors, for making it all possible, noting it “enabled the opportunity, which we believe will create new jobs, business activity, and long-term economic growth for Wood County.”
Brian Steck of Steck Aviation shared that same enthusiasm for WCEDC’s vision.
“The new runway gives Wood County the ability to serve more aircraft and opens the door to a much greater level of aviation activity,” said Steck. “We’re excited to build on that investment and help establish the airport as an increasingly important aviation resource for businesses, aircraft owners and the community,” said Steck.
Why It Matters
The Steck Aviation project will bring a new Jet/Aircraft Center and Fixed-Base Operation (FBO) to the airport, expanding aviation-related services and private business activity both at the airport and across Wood County. The center is expected to be completed and operational by December 31, 2027.
It’s another step in Wood County’s push to grow economic activity and jobs at the airport while drawing in private aviation-sector investment. Add it all up, and the airport is shaping up to be a bigger player in the region’s future than ever before.