The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) announced today that Wood County Airport-Collins Field will celebrate the opening of a newly expanded runway on November 8, which will enable the airport to accommodate jet traffic, fueling new growth opportunities for Wood County and its residents.
In addition, the airport was recently designated the Wood County Airport Reinvestment Zone (WCARZ). The purpose of the new designation is to attract aviation industry-related investments to the airport.
“Taken together, these developments will support significant growth in Wood County, attracting new residents and tourists,” said Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC. “In addition, new businesses that are attracted by the WCARZ designation will create new jobs & opportunities.”
The runway, which has been previously 4,000 feet, has been expanded to 5,006 feet, which meets the requirements for larger corporate jets to land. By doing so, the County hopes to attract future aviation-related businesses and corporate headquarters to the area.
The celebration gets underway at 10 a.m. Weather permitting, it will feature a Missing Man Formation, where a squadron of aircraft fly over the field and one plane peels away. The symbology of the formation typically applies to the loss of life of a service member who did not return from duty. In this case, it will honor Wayne Collins, a Wood County civic leader, businessman, pilot, and World War II Veteran, whose vision for the Wood County Airport has been recognized with this runway expansion, according to Thomas.
“Collins was a visionary,” said Thomas, who added that he will also be recognized by speakers during the ceremony for his contributions. “He is responsible for the airport and indirectly much of the growth we have had in Wood County. Recognizing him with the Missing Man Formation is a fitting way to celebrate his legacy.”
Wood County, the Cities of Mineola and Quitman, and TxDOT all came together to fund and make this project possible. Representative Cole Hefner also played a key role in securing state dollars that helped make the runway expansion a reality. Without all of these partners working together to identify and secure funding, this project would not have happened.
Among the dignitaries that are expected at the airport are state representative Cole Hefner and state senator Brian Hughes..
For more information contact:
• Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC
• cthomas@mywoodcounty.com
• 903-497-7366
Wood County Economic Development Commission
P.O. Box 578
Quitman, TX 75783