DeSoto has visions of a heliport dancing in its head

by Daphne Brown of DeSoto TODAY

DESOTO — The DeSoto Economic Development Board unanimously approved funding an $18,000 study to consider the feasibility of constructing a landing site somewhere in the city.

DeSoto Mayor Bobby Waddle introduced Kurt Haukohl, a consultant with the firm Clough Harbour & Associates, to DEDC board members during an Aug. 25 meeting. The firm will conduct the study.

A heliport or vertiport, which is a vertical arrival and departure site, are projects included in the city council's work plan for possible future development, Waddle told the board.

Such a landing site could enhance and attract business to DeSoto, Waddle said, despite it not being a significant money maker.

Among the firm's main charge would be to identify a site, such as the industrial park or Town Center, and possible funding sources. The city would have to set aside five-10 acres for either scenario.

Based on the projected number of residents who could relocate to Town Center upon the completion of the revitalization project at Hampton and Pleasant Run roads, as well as the number of retailers and events scheduled at Town Center, Waddle said there could be a considerable amount of traffic.

“From an emergency standpoint, such as floods or tornadoes, vertical arrival and departure could be the only way we could get to a place,” Waddle said. “This is not a huge endeavor but I think it is a very visionary endeavor.”

Waddle cited the landing site as a solution to future growth since the city is facing limited land space.

“It takes a little acreage and we do have some space left in proximity to the interstate,” Waddle said.

Haukohl said Clough Harbour & Associates has been involved with some phase of development for about 200 heliports in southern California.

“Fire, for instance, is a big business in southern California,” Haukohl pointed out. “It's becoming big in West Texas.”

Heliports and vertiports are not conducive for high traffic areas, such as downtown, he said.

“I think there is a good chance that the industrial park could serve as a feasible site,” Haukohl said.

Waddle agreed.

“We do need to look at where it is located and be mindful of residential areas, but we can start small and grow it,” Waddle said.

Haukohl said obviously he is a helicopter advocate, but he sees it as a great potential set up for the city.

“It seems as though it would be very compatible,” Haukohl said. “Also, it would provide a lot of synergy for businesses now or in the future.”

DEDC board member James Zander wanted clarification on funding sources, particularly how the city would recoup its money since both Waddle and Haukohl pointed out it wouldn't be a money-generator.

Waddle said the city of Garland built a heliport and provides flight training to the community.

“The Garland facility is outstanding; there's a lot of training going on there,” Waddle said of the city's seven-and-a-half acre site.

A rental agreement or travel expenses could eventually serve to reimburse the city of any monies involved in starting a heliport or vertiport.

Haukohl said Garland's landing site is “wedged right in next to the industrial buildings.”

Haukohl said the firm would need between 30-45 days to conduct the study, which would include an aerial view, he said.