Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport to Double-Down on Boca Chica Fence After Numerous Accidents

Sesha S. Vorrey, Interim Director of Aviation,
Gives Power Point to Airport Advisory Board

Like death and taxes, there is that inevitable crash by a vehicle heading south on Minnesota Avenue through the northern fence of the Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport along Boca Chica Blvd.  Whether inebriated, texting or simply not paying attention, a driver finds the nose of his car or truck through the chain link airport fence.  

"No more!" says Interim Director of Aviation Sesha S. Vorrey.  "We're constructing a secondary fence where Minnesota Avenue butts into Boca Chica Blvd."

"Well, that only took thirty years to figure out!" joked Airport Advisory Board secretary Chris Hughston.  "But, as fast as some of these cars are traveling, they may just go through both fences."

Director Vorrey stated that sand bags would be placed between the two fences to impede that eventuality.

Sesha S. Vorrey

Vorrey, the Interim Director of Aviation for the airport since the health-initiated retirement of former Director Larry Brown, monitored a power point slide presentation for the board at Tuesday's meeting of the Airport Advisory Board.

The largest project, the 'strengthening and lengthening of the airport runway, to be completed within 60 months, will cost $83,000,000, including the purchase of land and homes for the necessary real estate.

While the ultimate goals is 12,000 feet of runway, the project could include a phase at 10,000 feet.  

A project rehabilitating Runway Bravo and the West Ramp at a cost of $9,000,000 is nearly complete, while a project to construct a cargo hangar for $2,500,000 is being sent back for new bids.  

A new terminal will be built in the current metered parking lot at a cost of $27,500, 000 with a completion date of November 2016.  Terminal improvements include Wi-Fi, a change machine and fiber optic cable.  

Financial reports indicate a decline in passenger travel and parking revenue, but a distinct surge in cargo transport.