Conroe North-Houston Regional Airport has been named General Aviation Reliever Airport of the Year by the Texas Department of Transportation, helping cement the airport’s reputation as a key player in aviation and a driver in economic development, said County Judge Craig Doyal.
Originally built in 1939 by the Civil Aviation Authority, it has been owned and operated by Montgomery County since March 1946. It is months away from opening a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspection Facility that will enable international flights to take off and land directly at the airport, eliminating extra stops at Houston Hobby or George Bush Intercontinental.
“We are pleased to see that the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division recognizes the value Conroe North-Houston Regional Airport brings to this county and the Houston region,” said County Judge Craig Doyal.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador thanked TxDOT and Airport Director Scott Smith for his leadership.
“Scott has done a tremendous job helping grow this airport and ensure it realizes its full potential,” Meador said.
In addition to the honor by the Texas Department of Transportation, state Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, recently presented a resolution congratulating the airport for its achievements
The airport has a $3.3 million total annual economic impact, and boasts 363 direct employees and more than 21,000 annual visitors. There are 62,000 annual flight operations, including 2,500 jet operations annually.
By 2030, it is anticipated that the annual economic impact to the region will increase to $51.4 million with 580 direct jobs.
The soon-to-be-opened Customs Facility is being built in partnership with several local economic development groups, including The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, the Shenandoah Municipal Development District, Montgomery County and the Conroe Industrial Development Corporation, and Black Forest Ventures.
The customs facility will be the northernmost customs clearing facility in the greater Houston area, and is expected to weigh into the decision-making of corporations in the future as they consider relocating operations here.