This article describes some of the current issues in airport development in Texas, which is home to 26 commercial and 253 general aviation airports. At any given time, there are more than 300 improvement projects underway and they require planning and environmental studies, engineering and design, property acquisition and construction. Especially critical are projects in or near a flood plain or protected habitats requiring mitigation efforts. Other challenges are when projects are near residential or commercial developments. Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) researchers help the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in studying development issues. Land use and encroachment are key issues and relate to noise, air and water quality, wildlife, and archeological and hazardous materials. The Airport Cooperative Research Program will sponsor projects involving security and safety, the environment, policy and planning, design, construction and maintenance.
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