By Matt Smith/Staff Writer
Members of the Cleburne Airport Advisory Board and other city officials received an update Wednesday on the master plan study of Cleburne Municipal Airport.
Perry Havenar, a senior aviation planner with Garver Engineers, presented forecast data on the projected growth of Cleburne and Johnson County and how the growth could affect the airport.
The study, begun in March, should provide city leaders a comprehensive picture of the airport’s needs, said Mike Claunch, city community services director.
Cleburne undertook the study thanks to a Federal Aviation Administration grant administered through the Texas Department of Transportation.
Besides area growth projections, Havenar relayed findings collected from surveys of airport personnel, users and local business owners.
Havenar said airport use should grow substantially because of population increase, the extension of Texas 121 from Fort Worth through Cleburne and expected business growth in the area.
The study examines all aspects of the airport’s future growth needs and expected expenses, Havenar said. He said the study should take about 40 weeks to complete.
“Being on the fringe of DFW, I think you’re doing the right things with what you’re planning for the airport,” Havenar said. “But as we go through this study, input from people and advisory board members is critical. This is your airport.”
Havenar discussed security concerns suggesting installation of extra fencing. He also discussed possible improvements to the airport’s navigation system and increased services for pilots and passengers at the airport terminal.
Airport needs mentioned by those surveyed included car rental service, 24-hour fueling capability, more hangar space and tie-down availability and increased hangar and terminal lighting.
Sandra Braden, a TxDOT airport planner, bemoaned the lack of response from local business owners to the survey.
“The response we got from the business owners was typical of the response we usually get on these things,” Braden said. “But we really do need more input from those in the area.”
Councilman Bob Force agreed more input is necessary and suggested it would be useful to measure the impact people from out of town who come into Cleburne to do business have on the airport’s future.
Havenar said the next meeting, scheduled for mid-August, will cover project recommendations and funding possibilities for such plans. Claunch and Havenar said a mix of city funds and grants will likely fund future airport renovations and expansions.
Matt Smith can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2339, or msmith@trcle.com.
