Council signs on to TxDOT —Adopt an Airport— application with Rockwall High robotics team

Rockwall — The Rockwall City Council on Sept. 2 authorized the mayor to sign an Adopt an Airport application to TxDOT Aviation for the Ralph M. Hall Municipal Airport, partnering with the Rockwall High School robotics team to perform periodic litter and cleanup efforts.

The agreement, modeled on the state—s Adopt a Highway program, would allow the robotics team to apply through TxDOT Aviation; if TxDOT approves the application the city will coordinate safety training and logistics. Colton Crum, executive vice president of public relations for the Rockwall High School robotics team, told council he and his teammates want to keep the airport property clean and see the program as a way for the team to give back and support environmental goals. "I have loved airplanes from a very young age... I saw it as a huge opportunity," Crum said.

Planning staff said the program includes safety guidelines and age‑appropriate activity limits established by TxDOT and the city—s airport operator. Councilmember Kevin Lewis moved to approve the application and Councilwoman Campbell seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

What comes next: The mayor will sign the application and staff will submit it to TxDOT Aviation; pending TxDOT approval, the city and the team will schedule training and cleanup events (staff said the team proposed approximately four litter‑cleanup events per year).