By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Early Wednesday morning, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) questioned the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chris Rocheleau, during a House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) hearing about an airline for Del Rio’s International Airport.
While much of the session featured Gonzales pressing Rocheleau on the United States’ preparedness when it comes to UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) systems and drones, Gonzales went to bat for Del Rio when the drone questions were done.
“The FAA Reauthorization Act directs the Department to partner with National Academies to assess the loss of commercial air service in small communities and identify options for restorative use,” Gonzales said in his opening comment.
The FAA Reauthorization Act spends $105.5 billion throughout the aviation industry until 2028 to enhance aviation safety, modernize infrastructure and expand the aviation workforce, according to the FAA website here.
Gonzales continued, highlighting Del Rio’s airline recruitment efforts: “I appreciate the directive, and I think it comes at a critical time for Del Rio. Del Rio is a border community, Del Rio is central to Laughlin Air Force Base, as well as the Del Rio Border Patrol sector. Can you speak to how the department is and where we’re currently without an airline. That community has no access to an airline.”
“Can you speak to how the department is implementing the 570 study, and whether Del Rio, given its proximity to international trade, military installations and key trade corridors, will be considered in this assessment,” Gonzales asked.
An FAA 570 Study is a detailed cost-benefit analysis required for major airport capacity projects (like runway extensions or new runways) when federal funding is sought. It helps determine whether the project’s economic benefits (like reduced delays, safety improvements, or increased capacity) justify the costs, according to the FAA website.
However, while Rocheleau handled many of the questions adeptly, he gave Gonzales no solid answers about the Del Rio International Airport.
“Appreciate the question, because, having just returned from the general aviation business community, I understand the importance of small community air service. I know that our team has been working intensely on doing the analysis that you talk about that reauthorization directs us. I will circle back with you with the latest on that effort,” Rocheleau said.
Gonzales’ staff said they will pass along to The 830 Times staff: “We will keep pushing on this in Congress. It’s a very important priority for our team.”
Del Rio Mayor Al Arreola said it was a relief to have the congressman advocating for the community in the halls of Congress. “It really helps to have him up there working for us,” Arreola said.
The writer can be reached at JoelaLangton@gmail.com .
