"There would only be funding for one airport and we have one already," stated Ruiz making reference to the proposed $30,000.00 airport study which is presently being undertaken on CC Winn's property in east Maverick County which will be discussed at this morning's Chamber of Commerce Community Breakfast, "But we need to get it going again and get it up and running the way it's supposed to be."

Legal Counsel Poncho Nevarez addressed the issue by saying that there really was no action which needed to be taken at this time, however, existing members Raul Perez, Joaquin Rodriguez and Miguel Angel Castillón need to be gauged as to their interest in continuing to serve on the Maverick County International Airport Supervisory Committee.

"You have to appoint new new members and create language and guidelines," said legal counsel Nevarez.

            "I feel the committee should be made of business people and pilots," said Ruiz, "People with a vested interest in the airport."

Ruiz added that there is a need to see how much funding is available to be utilized in the repairs of the existing Maverick County Airport.

            A very reliable source informed The News Gram that there was in fact a very significant fund which was to be used strictly for the airport when back in the early 90's as the airport was closed in 1992.

           The land which housed the airport was subdivided and the county began selling and putting the proceeds in an airport fund which grew to $10 million.

            When the county began falling behind under subsequent administrations, the funds began to be utilized for other projects not related to the airport or to pay off existing debt, which in this source's opinion was "Robbing Peter to pay Paul."

Later, Commissioner's Court set up a payment plan to put monies back into the Airport Fund, however the monies were again used.

             In 1997, the fund was used to make minor repairs to the airport and when then County Judge Rogelio Escobedo was inquired about the fund, the interest accrued still had the fund at $10 million.

            Two years ago, when County Treasurer Manuel Reyes was still in office, the fund had a zero balance.

There was an opportunity to garner funds for the airport through a state grant some years back, but the funds were lost due to not implementing them prior to a deadline set by the state.

             Commissioner's Court will re-visit the item at their next scheduled meeting.