Originally published in 1998 An update on several new airport managers in Texas; they operate some of the larger general aviation airports that significantly impact aviation in their areas. Bill Looke, a retired Air Force Colonel, finally came home to Lake Jackson to become the Brazoria County airport manager in July 1997. Looke wasted no…

Originally published in 1998 Charles Alfred Murphy, Jr. Former Director of the Texas Aeronautics Commission Charles Alfred Murphy, Jr., age 79, of Austin died on Monday, March 23, 1998. Texas has lost a distinguished and well-known friend of the aviation community. He served in the Marine Corps and was a pilot during World War II…

Originally published in 1998 As many of you know, the TxDOT Aviation Division recently initiated a Terminal Development Program. In order for an airport to be successful, in addition to providing fulltime management and services, such as fuel, it is essential to have public space available for airport patrons. Whether they are corporate executives or…

Originally published in 1998 Congress recently gave the FAA authority to establish an Innovative Finance Demonstration Program. The intent of the program is to leverage federal funds for airport development, and reduce time and costs associated with financing infrastructure development. TxDOT submitted a grant application to the FAA and was selected as a participant on…

Originally published in 1998 TxDOT Has New Leadership On January 29, 1998, the Texas Transportation Commission appointed, Charles W. “Wes” Heald, a native of Brownwood, Texas, as the new Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation. Wes, a 37-year department veteran, is a former District Engineer for Fort Worth and Brownwood. Upon taking office,…

Originally published in 1998 AUSTIN- The 16th Annual Texas Airport Operators Conference will now be known as the Texas Aviation Conference, a major change in perspective to include everyone interested in Texas aviation. Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division and the Texas Association of Airport Executives (TAAE) will continue their long-held association of co-sponsoring the…