Shenandoah Municipal Development District supports airport customs facility

SHENANDOAH, Texas - The Shenandoah Municipal Development District is the latest entity to throw its support toward a new U.S. Customs Facility and Border Protection Facility at the Lone Star Executive Airport, announced County Judge Craig Doyal.

Jason L. Frazer, Shenandoah MDD Board President, believes the customs facility will provide a real benefit to Montgomery County and help attract and retain high quality business in this geographic area.

"Shenandoah is honored to support the new customs operation," said Frazer. "The MDD looks forward to being a partner with the airport and the business it will draw to our area." Shenandoah MDD representatives will present the check Tuesday at Commissioners Court.

The Shenandoah Municipal Development District was formed in 2009 to fund projects related to economic development under the laws of the State of Texas. A number of improvement projects have been funded by the MDD.

The customs facility will 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 a time savings and reduced operating costs for these travelers. This would be the northernmost 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.

"We appreciate the vision shown by the leadership of the Shenandoah MDD in recognizing this facility will benefit all of Montgomery County and in particular south Montgomery County," said County Judge Craig Doyal.

"By encouraging high-quality corporate economic development, we can reduce the burden on average Montgomery County residents. The excellent companies that locate in Montgomery County expand our tax base with minimal demand on services and reduce commuter congestion by creating jobs here," Judge Doyal said.

Airport Director Scott Smith noted that the funds being contributed by the Shenandoah MDD will be put to good use, helping to pay for the IT infrastructure required for the facility.

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 Sept. 28 and is expected to be complete by spring of next year, with U.S. customs taking the facility over no later than April 25, 2016.

The total financial commitment to the project and partners are as follows:


Shenandoah Municipal Development District $25,000

The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership $50,000

Montgomery County $1,163,157

Conroe Industrial Development Corporation: $750,000

Black Forest Ventures $600,000