Texas Department of Transportation to Fund Air Traffic Controllers

AUSTIN – In an effort to ensure safety at 13 municipal airports in Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation today said it intends to fund continued service of air traffic controllers when federal funding goes away as a result of sequestration, or budget cuts. This action is pending Texas Transportation Commission approval and will be acted upon in an emergency session next week. The action would enable continued service for 13 airports.

When automatic budget cuts from the federal government went into effect last month, Texas regional airports were caught in the cross hairs and were scheduled to lose funding for air traffic control service positions beginning April 7. Had this funding not been considered, a degradation of safety in those flight operations could have occurred.

Airports that could receive state funding to continue safe operations include:

New Braunfels (BAZ); Brownsville (BRO); Easterwood Field College Station (CLL); TSTC Waco (CNW); Lone Star Executive Houston (CXO); Georgetown Muni (GTU); San Marcos Muni (HYI); Dallas Executive (RBD); Sugarland Regional (SGR); Stinson Muni San Antonio (SSF); Collin County Regional (TKI); Tyler Pounds Regional (TYR); and Victoria Regional (VCT).

Grand Prairie Municipal and Fort Worth Spinks airports remain funded under a federal agreement until September 30, 2013.

Fountain, Bruce & Mellencamp PLLC is an AV Preeminent rated law firm located in The Woodlands, Texas.  The Firm handles aviation litigation matters and is proud to have represented pilots, FBO’s, airports, flight schools, and aviation insurers.  Thomas M. Fountain has a single engine land certificate and is instrument rated.  He has been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1987.  For more information see our WebSite at www.fbmpllc.com or call (281) 296-6500.