GRAYSON COUNTY, TX -- Call it a blessing in disguise- deep disguise. Summer storms ripped through two buildings at the North Texas Regional Airport leaving a little more than a big mess. But all is not lost, even if the buildings are.
"Instead of having two buildings that were nearly 70 years old that we were using for warehouse property, we'll have a new hangar to offer businesses to come here to hopefully bring jobs," explains airport director, Mike Shahan.
Shahan is hoping the airport's modernization will be a beacon for new businesses. Grayson County commissioner Johnny Waldrip remembers more than an airport.
"When I was a boy, back in the sixties...and that thing was in full bloom and it was extremely impressive with all the jet fighters and such," Waldrip said.
The original Perrin Air Force Base was turned over to the county in the early seventies. With major development plans spanning the next 20 years, Shahan hopes the insurance money from the destroyed buildings will get the ball rolling on new growth.
"Activity breeds activity, so the more flights we have, the better chance we have of attracting more people here." said Shahan.
The walk from "condemned mess" to praised "job creator" could be a long one. There aren't just holes in the ceilings of the buildings, there is a major hole in the short-term plan.
"Asbestos removal really drives the cost up," Commissioner Waldrip explained.
As with many buildings as old as the airport warehouses, there is asbestos in the walls, requiring special removal. The county hopes the insurance money will cover the cost of demolition. If it does not, it may come out of the county's general fund.
Waldrip said, "We'll go out for bids and we'll take bids from different companies and they'll be brought back before the court."
Insurance will reimburse the decided value of the buildings. They will also pay for a portion of their removal. Because of the special case when asbestos is known, there is a possibility their demolition will be more than their value.
Commissioners will evaluate costs and bids in the coming weeks.
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