The Sky’s the limit for Wichita Falls

WICHITA FALLS – The Wichita Falls Regional Airport will receive $5 million as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Military Airport Program (MAP) for 2014. The MAP converts former military airports to civilian use and supports improvements to joint-use airports.

Sheppard AFB/Wichita Falls Municipal Airport was first approved for MAP funding in 2012, and was redesignated in 2014 for one additional year to allow the airport to complete the final phase of the terminal rehabilitation project.

The regional airport is jointly used by area residents and is a main hub for thousands of incoming/outgoing airmen and other military personnel from Sheppard Air Force Base.

The City of Wichita Falls leases the land for the airport from the Air Force. The airport began a $24 million renovation project, scheduled for November 2014 completion, will provide 50,000 sf of new passenger terminal space. The current terminal is 17,487 sf and is more than 50 years old.

Surplus funds from the MAP grant may go toward repair of Armstrong Dr. and some Taxiway C reconstruction, according to John Burrus, the Wichita Falls Aviation and Transportation Director.