Eight Colorado general aviation airports and a commercial-service airport with a strong GA presence have been awarded a combined $6.1 million in FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants that will fund critical capacity and safety projects.
AOPA strongly supports AIP grants, which uses revenue from aviation taxes to maintain and improve airports nationwide.
The grants, awarded July 31, “are an excellent example of how existing aviation taxes are directly used to improve airports,” said David Ulane, AOPA Northwest regional manager.
Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) issued a statement recognizing the economic value of the airports, and praising the grant awards. The projects funded “will help the airports create jobs, upgrade safety equipment, construct new facilities, and improve runways and taxiways,” he said.
"Colorado's regional airports create jobs, grow our economy and connect Main Street businesses with the rest of the state, region and world,” Udall said. “These competitive grants will ensure that our airports are safer and updated to meet the demands of local companies and tourists. I look forward to seeing how these important updates and improvements will contribute to our resurgent economy."
The allocations include:
- $1.98 million to Nucla Hopkins Field in Montrose County for runway improvements;
- $1.1 million to the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport for new equipment to help clear the airfield during severe weather;
- $844,691 to the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport for taxiway construction;
- $763,889 to the San Luis Valley Regional Airport in Alamosa County for the construction of a new terminal building;
- $452,616 to the Colorado Plains Regional Airport in Washington County for a new a wildlife perimeter fence;
- $329,050 to the Rangely Airport in Rio Blanco County to improve its automatic weather observing system;
- $300,000 to the Front Range Airport in Adams County for taxiway improvements;
- $150,000 to Erie Municipal Airport in Weld County for taxiway lighting;
- $249,146 to the Wray Municipal Airport in Yuma County for taxiway repairs;
- $150,000 to the Lake County Airport for a study to identify future airport development needs.
Ulane encouraged AOPA members to work closely with their Airport Support Network volunteers and airport managers to pinpoint important local projects eligible for funding through the AIP.
