By Larry Tucker
The expansion of the runway at Wood County Airport—Collins Field sparks multiple opportunities for the near future in Wood County, Texas. Those opportunities include a boost in business and corporate aviation, increased tourism potential, job creation and economic output, supporting regional growth, and enhancing the image of the community.
Airport History
Wood County Airport is centered between Quitman and Mineola and is supported by Wood County and the two cities. The airport opened in 1983 with a terminal, 3400-foot runway, maintenance hangar, and the first row of private hangars.
Changes were made in 2001 with the addition of a hot mixed asphalt runway, which was 4,000 feet in length and 60 feet wide, with compacted overruns at each end. This feature allowed the Wood County Airport to handle all propeller aircraft. Two taxiways were added for future hangar construction and growth.
In 2003, the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) was installed. AWOS sends local weather to pilots over radio and the internet. This information is also used by the National Weather Service to improve weather forecasting for the public.
In 2004, an automated fueling system was constructed, offering Jet A or Avgas aviation fuel. That fuel keeps airplanes and helicopters in action for business travelers, first responders, hobbyists, and commuters.
The Wood County Airport was busy in 2007 and 2008 with hosting a research team working on a new submarine detection system for the United States Navy. A helicopter towed magnetic detection probes below flights, while a team conducted testing and monitored variations in the earth’s magnetic field.
Also during that time, renovations and expansion upgraded the terminal building and taxiway. An additional 1,000 square feet was added to the terminal by building over the existing smaller structure. This included a pilot’s planning area, pilot’s lounge area complete with leather chairs that recline, a kitchenette, library, satellite TV, and wireless internet access. A conference room was completed with overhead computer projection, pull-down screen, and white board. A parallel taxiway was added to the northern two-thirds of the runway with access and pad sites for larger aircraft hangars.
In 2008, the infrastructure expansion included the addition of new hangars with electric, water, sewer, phone lines, and high-speed internet. The upgrades were made possible by funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the generosity of a Meredith Foundation grant through the city of Mineola and the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division.
In 2010 Wood County Airport received the distinction of “Airport of the Year.”
The airport continues to upgrade the runway and facilities. This has been made possible with 90% funding from TxDOT’s Aviation Division’s Routine Airport Maintenance Project (RAMP), as well as 10% from the airport board.
Runway Extension
The runway extension project is an exciting time for the airport. “The most prominent thing about taking the runway from 4,000 to 5,000 feet will be to make room for more types of aircraft. This will allow for larger and business aircraft. They can land at 4,000 feet but can’t get insured,” WCEDC Executive Director Christine Thomas noted. “With the extended runway, more corporate aircraft will be able to use our facility. It will enable more flights to come in and potentially invest in Wood County with their businesses. We will be able to attract more executives and investors. It will also enhance activities for our local population. In addition, we will be able to bring in those higher-end tourists. And we could possibly even attract an aviation school. The possibilities are endless.”
With the runway expansion, the airport will rank in the top 20% of United States airports capable of supporting most corporate aircraft, which will significantly impact all of the East Texas region by accommodating growing populations and industries that will relocate or expand. The Wood County Airport Land Use Strategy task force aims to foster industrial development in and around the airport, stimulating economic growth and regional connectivity.
Tom Keenan, Chairman of the WCEDC, explained the Land Use Strategy Task Force. “The purpose of the task force is to reach out to developers, land owners, and investors. We are talking about getting with land owners and potential developers to form partnerships. The partnerships could bring in an industrial complex, entertainment venues, and restaurants.”
Thomas talked about possibilities. “We do not want to just cut down trees or a run of the mill industrial situation. We want something that will reflect our interests and culture. We could possibly team up with Texas Parks & Wildlife to eventually have a lake out there. We want to be a modern industrial park.”
Opportunities on the Horizon
The longer runway will attract more business travelers, including corporate jets, which can bring executives, investors, and high-value business operations to the region. Larger and longer-range aircraft will bring in visitors who will stay in local lodging establishments, dine in Wood County restaurants, and engage in recreational activities, boosting the local tourism revenue.
The airport will also be able to become a gateway for tourists visiting nearby natural attractions, festivals, and special events, thereby increasing tourism dollars. The expected increase in airport use will bring a demand for local services in the areas of airport operations, air traffic control, security, mechanics, and maintenance.
The longer runway also opens the opportunity to handle emergency medical flights, firefighter planes, and disaster relief efforts, making the region safer. The runway will allow cargo operations and small freight carriers to land in Wood County, which will benefit local industries by improving supply chain efficiency.
Another opportunity will be the possibility of offering aviation maintenance and repair and other aviation services. With more space for operations, the airport could attract aviation training schools, bringing in students and instructors who spend dollars in the local economy.
The runway extension at Wood County Airport can spur real estate development in nearby areas. Properties near the airport may see increased demand from businesses and individuals who seek proximity to improved air travel. The expansion can further drive investment to roads, utilities, and other infrastructure to support the increased air traffic.
Final Words
Airport manager Dr. John Wisdom looks to the future. “The airport is a wonderful, convenient, and highly used asset in Wood County. The airport board works diligently to ensure the airport meets present and future needs of the growing area for business and fun travel.”