CONGRESSMAN SALAZAR ANNOUNCES GRANT TO WALKER FIELD

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Salazar announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a grant in the amount of $3,419,324.00 to rehabilitate a portion of the air carrier apron at Walker Field in Grand Junction.

The western portion of the existing air carrier aircraft parking apron has deteriorated and is in need of rehabilitation.  The existing pavement will be reconstructed to support existing and future aircraft use.  “This grant is an important investment in Colorado’s economy,” Rep Salazar said.  “Grand Junction Regional Airport and its services are vital to both the residents of the Western Slope and the tourism industry Colorado depends on.”

The airport opened in 1930 as Grand Junction Municipal Airport. In 1942 it was renamed Walker Field for Walter Walker, a former publisher of The Daily Sentinel newspaper who helped obtain funds and business support for the airport.  Grand Junction Regional Airport is undergoing a $20 million renovation.  There are approximately 150 aircraft based at the airport and the Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority reported nearly 80,000 aircraft operations in 2006.