Cole County approves $25,000 commitment to Columbia Regional Airport air service fund as airport seeks restored Denver service

Cole County commissioners approved a $25,000 contribution to the Columbia Regional Airport air service fund during their Dec. 24 meeting after a presentation from City of Columbia staff about recent airport improvements and service expansion plans.

Stacy Buttons, City of Columbia economic development director, presented the airport's recent upgrades, including a new terminal with three boarding bridges, expanded restrooms and a food-and-beverage market using "Just Walk Out" technology. Buttons told commissioners the airport has increased amenities and capacity since opening the new terminal a few years ago and that American Airlines currently serves Columbia with flights to Dallas and Chicago.

Buttons said Columbia received a USDOT small community air service development grant to help restore service to Denver and that airport officials were coordinating with airlines to reinstate that route "ideally early next year." She asked the commission to consider contributing to a regional air service fund that serves as matching support for airline negotiations and promotional activity.

A commissioner moved and the commission voted to contribute $25,000 to the air service fund; the commission's roll-call detail was not recorded in the transcript other than a voice vote and an audible "nay" from at least one member. The county previously contributed to the fund when carriers launched or expanded service to the region, and staff said the county had participated in similar contributions when United and American previously initiated routes.

Buttons also described ongoing projects at the airport: phase-two construction for a rental-car facility and administrative offices, federally funded parking improvements, and continued airline outreach for routes such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tampa. She said the airport employs about 800 people across a 1,500-acre property and is actively pursuing additional routes in coordination with airlines.

Commissioners discussed whether county funds should be directed to Columbia Regional rather than the Jefferson City airport. Buttons and staff framed the request as part of a regional partnership and economic development strategy.

The commission approved the contribution by voice vote with at least one dissenting voice recorded on the audio; staff will add the approved $25,000 to the economic development budget.