Grand Junction Airport Set For Big Upgrades With New Grant

For the last couple of years, it seems like any time there was good news about an airport in Western Colorado, the news was about Montrose. Now it's time for Grand Junction to enjoy a little excitement following big news in August about a new FAA grant awarded to Grand Junction's Regional Airport.

Find out why the city is hopeful that the grant will not only help our community keep growing, but that it will also help aid Mesa County's wildfire response.

AA Grant Boosts Grand Junction Regional Airport

An FAA grant of $12.5 million sounds like a big win, but that is only part of the good news here. According to The Business Times, Grand Junction has secured more than $150 million in grants since 2018. This is funding that will help several airport projects move forward, including the runway sub-base. Stacking up grants allows for more leverage with the FAA’s 95% funding match, which means upgrades for Grand Junction taxpayers who did not have to fund nearly as much of the project.

$200M Capital Program Brings Major Upgrades

The extra funds will help make several changes happen at Grand Junction Regional Airport, starting with the relocation of Runway 11/29. A portion of the current runway will be converted into a taxiway, and the new runway will be the centerpiece of the airport. Pavement rehab, new gates, and expanded parking will also be part of the upgrades thanks to the $200 million Capital Improvement Program. The new runway is expected to open in 2029.

Wildfire Hub and Future Terminal Plans

The Bureau of Land Management has invested $9 million to build a multi-use aviation facility at the airport as a hub for wildfire response. The facility would support firefighters, dispatchers, engineers, and fuel techs during wildfire season. A new runway means larger tankers could assist firefighters in a big way in just a few years.

Terminal expansion remains in the early planning stage, with designs and costs still being finalized. While details remain limited, the plan calls for more space and modern amenities, with construction expected to begin around 2026 or 2027, according to Wikipedia.

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