Del Rio International Airport Director Jack Richardson provides some insight to the deficit and h... Answers to airport revenue

Richardson explained that one reason for the predicted deficit in the upcoming fiscal year, which began Oct. 1 and will end Sept. 30, 2006, is the cost of providing security for the airport.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) takes up a third of the airport terminal and is in charge of all preflight screenings of passengers and luggage, according to Richardson.

Machines used by the TSA include a walk through metal detector, two Explosive Track Detectors used to screen carry-on and checked luggage for any explosive chemicals, and a pass through X-ray machine for carry-on luggage.

Richardson said that while these machines were purchased by TSA, the airport is responsible for paying the electric bill to run them as well as provide illumination around the terminal for security purposes.

“In order to keep the airport's international status, we must supply Customs, free of charge, with an office, utilities, phone lines, air conditioning and basically anything else they need to operate,” Richardson said.

Another expense incurred by the airport is from the “storm water prevention program” set up through the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality.

Richardson said that under this program, required by law, the airport must test the water every time it rains to ensure that no chemicals are there that could adversely affect the environment.

Some of his suggestions were raising the land lease rates, increasing fuel flow fee costs and initiating charges for airplanes that tie down at the airport.

“I just brought a 737 in here last week on a test run and it came in and departed with no problem. That can give you an idea of what money could be made by charging landing fees by weight,” said Richardson.

“One thing people need to realize is that the cost of this airport to the city is not that great, and the expected loss can be made up fairly easily,” said Richardson.

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