For immediate release: September 21, 2009
Eric Wortman, Communications Director
Contact: (202) 536-6190
Edward Stern, Deputy Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 536-6190
Edward Stern, Deputy Press Secretary
Congressman Salazar announces $17.5 million grant for improvements to Garfield County Regional Airport
Airport Manager Brian Condie says funding will keep project on track
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman John Salazar announced that $17.5 million in federal funding has been allocated to upgrade the runway at Garfield County Regional Airport. This funding is in addition to the $13.5 million for the same project announced in May. The airport is currently in the second year of a three year project that will upgrade the runway safety area to better accommodate jet aircraft.
Some of the improvements include expanding the safety area around the runway from 300 feet to 500 feet, new aircraft instrument approaches from the east and west and reducing the slope of the runway by lowering the east end approximately seven feet and raising the west end approximately fourteen feet. This will reduce the slope to less that one percent across the entire 7,000 foot runway. This year’s work includes moving an estimated 1.8 million cubic yards of dirt and gravel into to the new safety area, and at some locations constructing embankments over 60 feet high.
Some of the improvements include expanding the safety area around the runway from 300 feet to 500 feet, new aircraft instrument approaches from the east and west and reducing the slope of the runway by lowering the east end approximately seven feet and raising the west end approximately fourteen feet. This will reduce the slope to less that one percent across the entire 7,000 foot runway. This year’s work includes moving an estimated 1.8 million cubic yards of dirt and gravel into to the new safety area, and at some locations constructing embankments over 60 feet high.
Congressman Salazar offered the following comment on these airport improvements,
“As a pilot myself, I know how important it is to make sure that rural airports receive the same attention and funding that urban airports receive. This critical federal funding will assist the Garfield County Regional Airport in its efforts to prepare for future traffic and expand its ability to provide safe and efficient air service for pilots and residents in and around Garfield County,” said Congressman Salazar. “I’m honored to be able to help support these efforts and I will continue working to provide necessary funding for projects that will improve our infrastructure and strengthen our economy.”
Garfield County Regional Airport Director Brian Condie gave the following statement on the funding:
“This project is important to airport staff and to the county. We appreciate Congressman Salazar's continued attention to this project. I also appreciate the Denver Airport District Office; with this funding we should be able to complete this project by November 18, 2010.”
Rifle Mayor Keith Lambert offered the following comment:
“The expansion of our local airport is certainly a benefit to the citizens of the community of Rifle and will lead to greater economic diversity. We're grateful for any fiscal impact and grateful for the efforts of Representative Salazar.
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