Business View Magazine | November 2019

167 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 WASHINGTON COUNTY A I RPORT done to improve the Airport, we are able to provide matching dollars for grants from the Bureau of Aviation and the Federal Aviation Administration. That has allowed us to grow at a very nice pace in terms of upgrading the airfield and providing infrastructure for additional hangars.” Originally owned and operated by the Washington Airport Association, the Washington County Airport started out in the 1940s with three sod runways, the largest of which measured 2,700‘. It was sold to Washington County in 1953 and their first paved runway was constructed two years later. Since then, it has become a full- fledged asset under the guidance of the three County Commissioners and the Redevelopment Authority, the designated agency that manages and operates the Airport on behalf of the County. “Our Board of Commissioners and local officials have been extremely supportive,” declares Bob Griffin, Economic Development Director. “Not only in making important infrastructure improvements at the Airport, but also in helping to grow our local economy by encouraging job creation and private investment.” “We’ve formed a strong bond between the private side and the public side,” says McGowen. “It makes for a very strong team. What sets us apart from other airports our size is that we attract quite a bit of business. For instance, one of the companies that leases hangar space is Dallas Airmotive. They are headquartered in Dallas and have several facilities around the country. They put one of their major engine overhaul facilities here in Washington County because of the Airport’s proximity to major east coast markets, our improved infrastructure and other amenities.” “Most airports our size might have a couple of jets,” McGowen adds. “In conjunction with the fixed- base operation (FBO) Skyward Aviation, at last count we are up to 15 jets stationed here at the airfield. We also have another business that used to be called Cheyenne Air. It is now called Friend AirCare. It does major aircraft work on turboprops