FAA Gives Over US$6.4 Million to Four Texas Airports to Address Runway Safety Risks

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than US$6.4 million in Airport Improvement Program funds to four small airports in Texas -- in Dallas, Conroe, Galveston and Waco -- to address runway safety risks.

The funding is part of a runway safety program the FAA launched in June to identify airport risks that might contribute to a "runway incursion" and develop strategies to help mitigate those risks. A runway incursion occurs when an aircraft, vehicle or person enters an airport's protected area designated for aircraft landings and take offs due to unclear taxiway markings, lights and signs or confusing taxiway layout.

Overall, the FAA awarded US$11 million to eight airports to address runway safety risks.

The most money by far went to Waco Regional Airport - US$6.4 million to realign a taxiway and bring it up FAA standards.

The three other Texas airports received smaller amounts to study ways to reduce runway safety risks on their property:

* US$43,614 to Dallas Addison Airport

* US$19,693 to Lone Star Executive Airport in Conroe

* US$11,693 to Scholes International Airport in Galveston