Beeville, Texas – March 24, 2026 – The Bee Development Authority (BDA) is proud to announce that Chase Field Industrial Airport Complex (FAA LID: TX2) has been officially accepted by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) into the Texas Airport System Plan (TASP).
This milestone designation recognizes Chase Field as a vital component of Texas’s statewide aviation infrastructure. The TASP identifies airports that play an essential role in supporting economic development, connectivity, and aviation needs across the state. Inclusion in the plan positions the airport for enhanced eligibility for state funding opportunities to support future improvements, maintenance, and growth initiatives.
Located approximately five miles southeast of Beeville in Bee County, Chase Field Industrial Airport Complex is a public-use airport and industrial park spanning 1850 acres. Managed by the Bee Development Authority—a Defense Base Authority established following the 1993 closure of Naval Air Station Chase Field—the facility features an 8,000-foot lighted runway, expansive hangars, extensive tarmac, and available land for development. It is strategically positioned to attract aerospace, advanced manufacturing, aviation services, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, and other compatible industries.
The acceptance of Chase Field Industrial Airport Complex (TX2) into the Texas Airport System Plan (TASP) by TxDOT was achieved through dedicated collaboration and strong advocacy from our state legislative delegation. State Senator Adam Hinojosa (District 27) and State Representative J.M. Lozano (District 43) provided invaluable support, highlighting the airport’s strategic importance and working closely with the Bee Development Authority and TxDOT to advance this administrative recognition.
Senator Hinojosa stated, “Chase Field’s inclusion in the TASP is a testament to the hard work of the Bee Development Authority and a major win for our region. I’ve been proud to support efforts to revitalize this asset, and this milestone will unlock new opportunities for investment and prosperity in Beeville and surrounding communities.”
Representative Lozano added, “As a lifelong advocate for South Texas economic development, I commend the Bee Development Authority for this achievement. TxDOT’s acceptance into the TASP affirms Chase Field’s strategic value, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration to secure resources that will help transform the site into a thriving hub for aerospace and advanced industries.”
This TxDOT administrative decision underscores the shared commitment to enhancing aviation capabilities and fostering long-term economic vitality in the Coastal Bend and South Texas.
BDA Board Chair Orlando Vasquez stated, “This acceptance into the Texas Airport System Plan marks the first federal or state funding contribution to the Bee Development Authority since the closure of Naval Air Station Chase Field in 1993. The state funds will now provide critical reimbursements for approximately $100,000 of annual maintenance costs at the airfield, as well as grant eligibility for 90/10 matching programs on Capital Improvement Projects, empowering the BDA to build new facilities and drive meaningful economic growth for Bee County and South Texas.”
“Acceptance into the Texas Airport System Plan is a significant step forward for Chase Field and the broader Beeville and Bee County community,” said Michael Blair, Executive Director, Bee Development Authority. “This recognition from TxDOT validates our ongoing efforts to reposition this former naval air station as a modern, high-capacity aviation and industrial asset. It opens new doors for investment, job creation, and long-term economic impact in South Texas.”
The BDA continues to market Chase Field as a site-ready location for businesses seeking aerospace-adjacent opportunities, with proximity to major ports in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, and strong regional connectivity.
For more information about Chase Field Industrial Airport Complex, available facilities, or development opportunities, visit www.beedevelopmentauthority.org or contact the Bee Development Authority at (361) 358-2023.
About the Bee Development Authority: The Bee Development Authority (BDA), established in 2001 under Texas legislation following the Base Closure and Realignment Act, owns and operates the Chase Field Industrial and Airport Complex. The BDA’s mission is to positively affect economic development at Chase Field and the surrounding areas of Beeville and Bee County through strategic marketing, infrastructure enhancement, and business attraction.