Wood County Commissioners Court unanimously approved two tax abatement agreements clearing the way for a new aviation operation at the Wood County Airport Collins Field on Friday, Sept. 4.
Meeting in special session, commissioners held separate public hearings before approving Chapter 312 tax abatement agreements involving Steck Properties LLC and Steck Aviation LLC.
The agreements are the result of nearly a year of negotiations between the companies and the Wood County Economic Development Office and its board, according to Economic Development Director Christine Thomas.
Thomas said her office and economic development board had been working with Brian Steck for close to a year before arriving at the final agreements presented to commissioners. She said the required public notices had been published and the agreements had also undergone legal review.
Under the project, Steck Properties will be responsible for the hangar, while Steck Aviation will operate the aviation business.
Thomas said that once the hangar is completed, Steck Properties will contract with Steck Aviation to operate an FBO, or fixed-base operator, at the airport. The business is expected to provide aviation services to its customers as well as pilots and aircraft coming into Wood County.
The project also received an endorsement from the City of Mineola.
Mineola City Manager and Economic Development Corporation Director Cindy Karch spoke during the first public hearing in support of Steck and the airport development.
“I just wanted to come today and express support for Mr. Steck and the project at the airport. It’s only going to be good for this area. It’s going to be another economic development tool that we have in our toolkit, and so we’re just excited to support it,” Karch said.
Karch said the Mineola City Council had also supported the project, calling a special meeting to approve a building-related extension needed for the development.
“Everybody was thrilled about the project,” Karch said.
No one spoke in opposition during either of the two public hearings.
Following the first hearing, commissioners unanimously approved the tax abatement agreement involving Steck Properties LLC. Commissioners then conducted the second public hearing concerning Steck Aviation LLC and unanimously approved that agreement as well.
The votes represent a significant step forward for a project local economic development officials have spent months working to bring to the county airport.
The addition of an FBO and related aviation facilities is expected to expand services available at Wood County Airport Collins Field while giving local economic development officials another asset to promote to businesses and visitors considering Wood County.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Wood County Airport Collins Field.