RANGELY I U.S. Sen. Mark Udall congratulated nine of Colorado’s regional airports, including Rangely Airport, on getting a share of more than $6.1 million in competitive U.S. Department of Transportation grants. The grant for $329,050 is going to Rangely Airport in Rio Blanco County to improve its automatic weather observing system.
In addition to Rio Blanco County, the funds went to airports in Adams, Alamosa, Lake, Montrose, Pitkin, Washington, Weld and Yuma counties. The competitive grants will help the airports create jobs, upgrade safety equipment, construct new facilities and improve runways and taxiways.
“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.” Udall said. “I look forward to seeing how these important updates and improvements will contribute to our resurgent economy.”
The competitive grants issued to Colorado airports are:
$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; and,
$150,000 to the Lake County Airport for a study to identify future airport development needs.