By CARLEY TUCKER
news@wood.cm
New development is coming to Wood County Airport following the recent expansion of its runway.
The Wood County Economic Development Commission received an update on the Steck Aviation project at its meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 26. The company plans to build a new hangar and fixed-base operator facility at the airport.
Vic Savelli said the project could be the beginning of more development at the airport.
The 5,006-foot runway allows a wider range of corporate and private aircraft to use the airport. The Steck facility would service jets and bring additional demand for fuel, maintenance and hangar space.
Savelli said one of the biggest benefits could be bringing business owners and corporate executives into Wood County.
Savelli said it only takes a couple of those visitors to decide to open a business or manufacturing operation in the county to make a difference and it often takes five to 10 years after a runway expansion to see this type of private investment.
In Wood County, it has happened much faster.
Executive Director Christine Thomas said a lot of work has gone into the agreements and proposed tax abatement for the project, including work by county officials and the airport board.
Pending final approval, a groundbreaking for Steck Aviation is planned for Sept. 10.
Thomas said she plans to submit the project for state economic development and transportation awards because of the short time between completion of the runway and the private investment that followed.
The commission also discussed the possibility of bringing more aviation-related businesses to the airport.
Savelli said the high cost of storing jets in the Dallas-Fort Worth area could work in Wood County’s favor. Aircraft owners may be willing to travel farther for more affordable hangar space.

MEMORY CARE PROJECT
Commission President Tom Keenan gave an update on the proposed memory care village planned for about 29 acres near the hospital.
An environmental impact study has started and could take four months or longer.
The project has received a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but Keenan said the full project could cost around $60 million. According to Keenan, organizers will continue actively seeking grants and other funding.
Rather than a traditional memory care facility, the project would be set up as a village, with residents living in smaller neighborhoods designed for people with memory loss.
The property has a large number of trees, and plans include a water feature and an animal engagement area.
Keenan said the facility could eventually provide about 100 jobs. There have also been discussions with Jarvis Christian University about developing programs to train people for some of those positions.
Keenan said they hope to break ground in early 2027. The project would be built in phases, beginning with one of the planned neighborhoods.

TOURISM NUMBERS
Thomas reported about $27,500 in hotel occupancy tax collections for July. Vacation rentals and Lake Fork-area marinas continue to account for a large portion of those funds.
The commission also reviewed recommendations for its hotel occupancy tax grant program. About $150,000 was available this year, while requests totaled around $500,000.
Thomas said it was one of the more difficult years for the grant committee because of the number of applications and the amount requested.
Commission members discussed possible changes to the program next year, including taking a closer look at where the county puts its tourism dollars and the return from events it supports.
Michael Arcand reported that July was also a good month for the commission’s website and social media. A Fourth of July fireworks post was one of the top performers, along with a story about Action Sound guitar shop in Hawkins.
Arcand said an August post tied to the Bigfoot promotion had reached more than 25,000 people.
Tour de Pines was also discussed. The bicycle ride drew more than 200 riders this year, including some from outside Texas, and organizers hope to grow that number to about 500 next year.
Commission members also discussed the possibility of adding more cycling events in Wood County.
The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 30.