Tyler Airport Authorized for Millions in FAA Grant

TYLER — The Tyler City Council authorized Tyler Pounds Regional Airport to accept a new FAA Grant totaling more than $9.6 million. According to a press release, the major portion of the grant will be used to begin reconstruction of the airport’s longest runway, portions of which date back to World War II. Having been in the planning and design phase for the past five years, a proactive plan has been set in motion to enhance the runway.

“Runway 4/22 is one of our main runways for the commercial air carriers and higher performance aircraft in Tyler,” said Davis Dickson, Airport Manager. “This rehabilitation project is crucial for the future growth of the airport. Once the reconstruction is complete, the runway pavement will be rated to handle larger aircraft plus have a precision approach for landings during inclement weather.”

Airport staff submitted the application for the FAA grant and should receive a grant offer in early September. This grant could be the largest ever received by Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Once received, the airport will seek to award the construction contracts to initiate Phase 1 of the Runway 4/22 rehabilitation project.

“Tyler Pounds Regional Airport posted a 14.9 percent increase in passenger boardings for 2013 and the growth trend continues in 2014,” said Dickson. “Not only are we seeing growth in commercial aviation activity, we also see similar growth in the private aviation sector. Having reliable aviation infrastructure is very important for our city and the region.”

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport has the only daily jet service in East Texas provided by United Airlines, 800-523-3273 or http://www.united.com and
American Eagle Airlines, 800-433-7300 or http://www.aa.com