ABC 40 KRHD-TV - Bryan/College Station News and Weather | Navasota attracting more business with renovated airport

NAVASOTA- The city of Navasota hopes to bring in some new tourists, industries and revenue by expanding the runway at the municipal airport.

$5 million dollars from the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation funding gave the Navasota Municipal Airport a new runway. Instead of 3,200 feet long it's now 5,000 and from 60 feet wide to 75.

"It will bring in a lot more economic development other tourists to town."City Manager Brad Stafford said, "We've had a lot of industries expressed an interest."

With bigger planes flying into the airport, the city wants to attract even more business. Last week the city council approved asking TxDot for another grant to add even more improvements.

"Adding more asphalt, so we can add more hangers space, also money for T-hangers and a fuel farm so we can sell fuel at the airport," Stafford said.

Making it more convenient for those industries flying into the city to make a one stop shop.

Stafford said, "We have our industries that say they have multiple people looking to fly in and take care of business locally and fly out."

The city could pay up to $200,000 dollars to match the possible grant money, but many agree the upgraded airport will pay for itself.

"They'll be a lot of pilots and planes that won't be from here," said Public Works Director Gary Johnson, "And that's OK because when that happens we're bringing people from outside in here to do business."

The runway is still under construction from the previous grant and should be completed soon.