Victoria Regional Airport to buy John Deere skid steer for $113,800; training to be provided

Victoria County on July 7 approved the purchase of a John Deere skid steer loader with accessories for the Victoria Regional Airport, authorizing $113,800 from the airport fund balance under Sourcewell contract number 011723‑JDC.

Airport staff said the machine is intended to address areas on the airfield where grass above pavement height traps water and causes localized flooding on taxiways and runways. Staff also described utility uses around the airfield, including mesquite clearing along perimeter fences. The presenter said the county had been budgeting for the equipment and judged it the right time to procure the unit.

Commissioners asked about operator training; airport staff replied that John Deere will provide training and that the county will send operators for instruction before receiving and operating the machine. One commissioner noted the need for careful training given safety risks; airport staff said the machine includes safety features and that they would arrange training prior to deployment.

The court approved the purchase by motion and voice vote at the meeting. Staff said the equipment is multi‑use and intended to reduce recurring airfield maintenance time and localized water pooling issues.