DENISON, TEXAS -- North Texas Regional Airport is in the process of purchasing land to expand the airport and make the runway safer.

Through their capital improvement project, the airport aims to buy more than 38 acres on the north end of their runway, stretching up to Refuge Road.

Airport Director Mike Shahan says that land would add protection for pilots taking off and landing and would allow the airport to secure land around them that could be vulnerable to growth in the area.

"For example, if it gets built up in that area, we'd have to shorten our runway, so it helps protect our airport and it makes it safer for the pilots and their passengers," Shahan said.

Shahan says the process of purchasing the land will pick up in the spring.