March 30, 2005

Scholes International Airport at Galveston

Galveston’s Scholes International Airport will install a “cab” on the air traffic control tower at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Photos and Release

Airport Director Hud Hopkins said the new tower will change the airport from a Class C to a Class D air space.

"They will have air controllers that will move the aircraft when they are on the ground and when they are in the air and tell them when they can and when they cannot land, and where they can land" Hopkins said.  "It will control the skies a little bit more and make the air a little bit safer than it already is."  Listen   Download

Hopkins said that six air traffic controllers will be employed by the Federal Aviation Administration at Scholes Field.

"We've actually had a few of them already come down here and take a look at homes," Hopkins said.  "Hopefully there will be six new families on Galveston Island."

The new 72-foot tower should be complete in June 2005. The tower will give a clear view of the airport and surrounding area. The tower cab is where the controllers will work. 

The total cost of the tower is $1.8 million.  Ninety percent of the cost is funded by the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division and the remainder is from City of Galveston funds. 

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