Taxilane "J"
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A new east-west taxilane, to the north of Taxiway “H”, is now complete. The project was built at a cost of $8 million, and provides the airport with up to seven leasable corporate hangar sites, for hangars ranging in size from 120’ x 120’ to 150’ x 250’. The airport is currently in the process of negotiating leases with aviation departments interested in relocating to Sugar Land. For more information about a long-term land lease, please contact Airport Administration at 281/275-2100.
Pavement Evaluation
- The Sugar Land Regional Airport recently completed 4 nights of RDD (rolling dynamic deflectometer) testing on the runway, parallel taxiway and stub taxiways. This testing is the first step in evaluating the physical condition of the airfield concrete pavement with resulting recommendations for rehab. The project is funded by a 90/10 TxDOT Aviation Grant (with the Airport share being 10% of the total project cost). There is no indication that of any problems with the pavement, but we are committed to maintain the existing airfield pavement in excellent condition, and are performing proactive testing. This resulting evaluation will determine the strength of existing runway, taxiway and apron pavements, identify potentially weak pavement, and make recommendations for rehabilitation. This report is expected to be valid for several years.
Update ALP
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The Airport is in the final stages of updating the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) to current FAA Advisory Circular standards, including land use plan and terminal area plan. All of the projects identified under the current (2001) ALP are either in the planning stages, under construction or have been completed. In order for funding to be procured for much needed future planned development, a new ALP is required.
Generators
- The Sugar Land Regional Airport is the first non-commercial airport in Texas to be granted federal funding for Standby Power Generators for airfield and terminal operations. Generators have now been installed to provide power to the runway lights, taxiway lights, and navigational aids, to keep the airport operational in the event of a prolonged power outage. The importance of the airport has proven during the evacuation of Galveston and the greater Houston area during the past several hurricane seasons. In the aftermath of a major hurricane, the airport will be critical for the coordination conveyance of emergency personnel and supplies.
T-Hangar Complex
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Ninety nine T-hangars are now in use at the Sugar Land Regional Airport. (There are still hangars available for small aircraft.) The completion of this premier 60-acre facility marks the culmination of nine years’ work. Project planning began in 2000. Sixty-six acres of land were purchased in 2001. As a trade for three affected acres of wetlands, in 2003, thirty acres of farmland were restored back to wetlands at the entrance to the Brazos Bend State Park. Two taxiway bridges (likely the only ones in the US) over existing ponds were completed in 2006, along with drainage work, and substantial earthwork (the entire site was raised an average of three feet to allow connection to the existing taxiway and runway system at the airport). Over 15 acres of concrete apron, the extension of the airport perimeter road, new automobile parking, landscaping, decorative fencing, retaining walls at the water’s edge, and airfield and roadway lighting were completed in 2008. Construction began on the T-hangars in April 2008. There are six separate banks comprising 99 nested t-hangars with electric bi-fold doors. The pilot area is outfitted with the first-class finishes that Sugar Land is known for, includes a break area, lounge seating, flight planning area and restroom with shower. In addition, the airport has built a self-service fueling station within the complex, which is open to the flying public, providing self-serve fuel at a discount. Full-service fueling will still be available. The total project cost, including the T-hangars, represents over $24.5 million: $17 million in state grant funding (funds come from airport user fees, not tax dollars) and $7.5 million from airport revenues & bond sales. It is, to date, the largest project ever undertaken by TxDOT Aviation.
