Growing support for new customs facility at airport, with hopes of economic impact

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - County Judge Craig Doyal announced Monday that support for Montgomery County's new U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Facility at the Lone Star Executive Airport continues to grow even as construction begins on the project.

County government and business leaders believe the new customs facility, by creating easier travel for business aviation, will encourage continued corporate relocations and expansions and help promote economic development.

The new facility will enable the airport to join the ranks of select general aviation airports that offer customs clearing services, and is expected to provide an economic boost as an increasing number of business aircraft begin operating out of the airport. Construction on the project started Monday and is expected to be complete by spring of next year, with U.S. customs taking the facility over no later than April 22, 2016.

The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors became the latest partner in the facility, voting Sept. 25 to contribute $50,000 toward the facility's operating equipment. The total financial commitment to the project and partners are as follows:

Montgomery County $1,188,157

Conroe Industrial Development Corporation: $750,000

The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership $50,000

Black Forest Ventures $600,000

"We are thankful that The Woodlands Area EDP Board recognizes the benefit this new facility will bring to all of Montgomery County, and in particular south Montgomery County, by making it even easier for our major corporations to conduct business by using the airport. It is gratifying to see that The Woodlands area's true business leaders see that value," said County Judge Craig Doyal.

Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands EDP, said the contribution fits with the EDP's mission of job creation.

"In discussion with our Board of Directors, it was concluded that this contribution aligns well with our economic development efforts of building upon our niche market, corporate headquarters. We heard from small businesses who are EDP partners that these types of companies then support their own businesses. The effects of primary job creation fosters the robust quality of life and economic vitality we enjoy in The Woodlands Area."

Airport Director Scott Smith said he welcomed the contribution, and said it will be put to good use helping fund the equipment that will be needed to operate the facility.

"We appreciate all of our partners helping make this customs facility a reality for the airport, and we look forward to the many positive economic developments it will bring as international business travel increasingly makes Lone Star Executive Airport a smart choice," Smith said.

This proposed customs facility would allow individuals and corporate customers on international flights to fly directly into Lone Star Airport and clear customs at that location, avoiding congestion at IAH and Hobby and creating time savings and reduced operating costs for these travelers. Lone Star will be the northern most customs clearing facility in the greater Houston area. It is expected to weigh into the decision-making of corporations in the future as they consider relocating operations here.