Business View Magazine - July 2024

new site, not just refurbish the old tower,” he adds. The potential new tower sites are being carefully evaluated, with Thompson expressing a preference for a location adjacent to the commercial terminal. “We can leverage existing infrastructure and help to reduce costs at this location,” he notes. This strategic positioning is expected to minimize expenses and enhance operational efficiency.The projected cost for the new tower is around $20 million, and the airport is actively seeking funding for the construction phase. In addition to the control tower, other significant projects are in progress. The airport is preparing to install a new passenger boarding bridge. “This will support larger aircraft and ensure continued success into the future of our commercial flying operations,” Thompson says. This infrastructure upgrade aligns with the airport’s goal of accommodating increasing passenger numbers and larger aircraft. The investment in these infrastructure projects reflects a broader vision to enhance the airport’s operational capabilities and safety. “This shows everyone’s investment in the airfield,” Thompson remarks. He highlights the importance of these improvements for the airport and the surrounding community, including critical services like Flight for Life operations that transit the airspace to local hospitals such as UT Tyler and Christus. Beyond infrastructure, the airport is also exploring opportunities for commercial development. “We have a 30-plus acre area where we are actively pursuing additional hangar construction and private development,”Thompson says.This area offers ample space and connectivity to the airfield, making it an ideal location for corporate and general aviation use. Strategically located near Interstate 20 and the newly constructed Tollway 49, this site is poised to attract new businesses, potentially including cargo operations or distribution facilities. “We would love to see [them] make Tyler home,” Thompson avers, highlighting the airport’s potential as a critical economic driver for the region. VISION FOR THE FUTURE Tyler Pounds Regional Airport’s future is brimming significant improvements, reflecting a commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and services. These capital projects will bolster the airport’s capacity and operational efficiency, supporting both current needs and future growth. “We just completed a nearly $7 million taxiway reconstruction project,” says Thompson, describing the recent upgrades. This project focused on the taxiway that services two of the airport’s three runways, enhancing its functionality. The funding for this initiative came from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, the airport secured a $1.1 million grant for a site study and initial design for a new air traffic control tower.“Following the extension of our primary instrument runway, we believe there’s a better location to construct this new tower,” Thompson explains. The current tower, dating back to the 1940s, has become outdated, necessitating this modernization. “It’s a great investment by the FAA for this grant money to allow us to explore a 226 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07