Major improvements underway at Jasper Bell Field Airport

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen says a $3.28 million improvement project is underway at Jasper County Bell Field Airport. Judge Allen says the effort will take approximately 6 months to complete, dependent upon the weather cooperating. During that time, the runway at the airport will be closed at various times.

According to Judge Allen, the following changes are being made:

~ Runway width being increased from 70 feet to 75 feet

~ Runway being repaved and painted with new markings and stripes

~ Runway lights being replaced with LED lights

~ Taxiway lights being replaced with LED lights

~ PAPI (precision approach path indicator) lights being replaced with LED lights

~ Airport beacon tower and lights being replaced with LED lights

~ County seeking bids for a new fuel system that will be owned and operated by the county

Judge Allen noted that the old beacon light tower is being preserved for historical purposes because of its age, and the fact that it's still in very good condition. Allen also said that the new beacon tower will be unique in that it can be lowered to the ground to change a light or perform other maintenance, instead of a worker having to climb to the top.

The Judge said it has not yet been determined exactly where the new fuel island will be located, but he noted that it will be well lit at night and accessible 24/7 with multiple options for pilots to pay for self serve fuel. He also said that the airport already hosts military aircraft that land here to refuel, and he said it's hoped that the improvements will draw in even more military aircraft, along with commercial and private aircraft both day and night.

None of this, according to Judge Allen, will cost Jasper County taxpayers a penny. He said Jasper County will pay $1.14 million out of money received through the American Rescue Plan Act, and he said it's expected that the Texas Department of Transportation will refund that money to the county so that it can be applied to another infrastructure project. The remaining $2.14 million will come from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Broadcast journalist & on-air personality - Rayburn Broadcasting Company - KJAS 107.3 FM in Jasper, TX and KFAH 99.1 FM in Pineland, TX