Reasons For Temple Airport’s Mammoth $1,000,000 Bill After Devastating Tornados

I recently saw a report on kxxv that the Temple Airport was getting some much-needed construction after the damage that was caused last year by two tornados.

Temple Tornados

Last year in May, two tornados ripped through parts of Central Texas, and at one point they blew through the Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport. The tornados were classified as EF1 and EF2 level tornados. EF1 produces winds speeds between 86 and 110 mph and EFT2 has a range of 111 to 135 mph.

Damage to the Temple Airport

The damage caused by the tornados resulted in the runways being inoperable for 24 hours. The hangars lost walls and doors, and the aircraft canopy sustained extensive damage as well. Even though aircraft were chained down the tornados were still strong enough to cause some of the chains to break which resulted in the aircraft turning over.

Reconstruction Plans for the Texas Regional Airport

There will be $1,000,000 put towards the repair of the hangar and the canopy. The construction should not hinder the operations at the airport. In fact, the part of the project on the T hangers has already been completed. The work has already started while the airport is still in use. The hangars should be able to withstand of 100 mph once the repair and rebuild is complete.

The Need for an Active Regional Airport in Bell County

According to the airport director, Sean Parker, the airport provides services to more than 1,500 regional pilots. Some of the services offered include private charters, flight rentals, class, and refueling.

It's great that operations at the airport have continued since just 24 hours after the tornados hit, but the repair of the facilities is much needed and overdue.