County secures FAA grant for critical airport upgrades

In a recent meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a significant grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amounting to $3,469,301 for partial pavement rehabilitation at the Pick N County Airport. This funding will support essential maintenance work, including a three-inch overlay of runway 1533 and taxiways A and B, as well as additional repairs such as painting, crack sealing, and seal coating.

Airport Director Dan Bartholomew emphasized the importance of adhering to the FAA's grant assurance agreements, which have been in place since the county first accepted federal funding for airport development in 1957. These assurances impose strict requirements on the county, covering various aspects from civil rights to maintenance obligations. Bartholomew noted that accepting this grant does not create new obligations but continues the county's long-standing compliance with FAA regulations.

The meeting also highlighted the interconnectedness of FAA and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) funding, with CDOT aligning its grant processes closely with FAA requirements. This relationship means that approval from the FAA is a prerequisite for state funding.

Commissioner Kelly raised concerns about the county's financial planning, questioning how the grant would impact the budget. It was clarified that the county budgets for estimated repair costs and accounts for expected grant reimbursements. If the FAA funding does not materialize, it could affect the county's financial reserves.

The commissioners discussed the implications of not having an approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP), which is necessary for future FAA funding. Without this approval, the county risks losing access to both federal and state grants, potentially leading to a reliance on local funding for airport maintenance.

The BOCC is set to hold a second reading and public hearing on the grant agreement on July 10, as they navigate the complexities of airport funding and maintenance obligations.