TEXARKANA -- Texarkana Regional Airport is moving closer to hiring someone for the newly created full-time position of airport property development and marketing manager.
During the Airport's Authority Board meeting recently, airport director Paul Mehrlich said he has received 50 applications and narrowed the field to five applicants, whom he plans on interviewing in January.
The job would involve managing airport property by helping prepare boundary maps, updating Federal Aviation Administration airport layout plans, negotiating and preparing agreements for land purchases and overseeing other revenue generating activities at the airport -- including contracts, leases and agreements, as well as recruiting businesses interested in leasing property.
Mehrlich previously said that some airport-0wned property may possibly be cleared of old military buildings and structures, before land could be used for leasing.
Some of the other specific examples involving the job would include handling lease agreements and contracts as well as tracking insurance requirements for tenants and monitoring tenant compliance in meeting minimum airport standards. This would include conducting property site visits.
Besides attracting potential commercial leasers -- something which would generate revenue to help the airport become more economically self-sufficient -- this new management position also would be in charge of helping promote and increase commercial flights and ticket sales, as well as take care of social media contacts and communication, along with providing new website information about the airport.
Additional responsibilities will include maintaining property-related files, archive files and general records, as well as preparing clear and accurate reports.