About

Texas airports are one of our state's most valuable resources. Private citizens, groups and organizations can play a role in their local airport?s development through the state's Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Adopt-an-Airport Program. Eligible adopters commit to beautify an airport, enhance its image and increase public awareness for two-year terms.

Eligibility

Publicly-owned airports included in the Texas Airport System Plan are eligible. The following groups are eligible to adopt airports through the program:

• Members or employees of civic and nonprofit organizations

• Employees of private businesses and governmental entities

• Families

Note: A group must be located or reside in the city or county in which the adopted airport is located.

Application

The authorized representative of a new or renewing adoption group must submit an application to the district coordinator of the highway district in which the airport is located.

Written Agreement

Upon the district?s approval, adopters will need to execute an agreement with TxDOT and the airport sponsor to define responsibilities before the airport may be adopted:

Adopter Group Responsibilities

As part of the Adopt-an-Airport Program, adopter groups must do the following:

• Select a representative to serve as spokesperson
• Obey and abide by all safety laws and regulations
• Provide adequate adult supervision for participants aged 15 or younger
• Conduct at least one safety meeting per year and ensure participants attend a safety meeting before participating in airport beautification
• Agree to an adoption for a minimum of two years
• Wear TxDOT-furnished safety vests at all times
• Neither possess nor consume alcohol while on the adopted airport
• Maintain a first-aid kit and adequate drinking water while on the adopted airport

Litter Pickup

If the responsibility is controlling and reducing litter, adopter groups must agree to the following:

• Pick up litter a minimum of four times a year and at additional times as required by the sponsor or TxDOT
• Place litter in trash bags furnished by TxDOT
• Place filled trash bags at locations pre-determined by the sponsor or TxDOT
• Return all unused materials and supplies to the airport sponsor or to TxDOT within one week following cleanup unless the materials and supplies are necessary for continued beautification

TxDOT Responsibilities

As part of the Adopt-an-Airport Program, TxDOT will provide the following resources and services:

• Cooperation with adoption group and sponsor to determine the specific tasks to be performed
• A sign placed on the closest highway right of way that displays the group's name or acronym
• Safety vests, trash bags and safety literature
• Removal of filled trash bags after pickup
• Removal of litter from the adopted section only under unusual circumstances, such as large, heavy or hazardous items

If you are interested in adopting the airport in your city or town, please contact us at The TPA to let us know, so that we can work with you and offer you our support and resources too.

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