Cortez Municipal Airport will hold an open house at Cortez City Hall Dec. 14 from 3-6 p.m. to present the proposed airport master plan.
Airport Manager Jeremy Patton has been working with Armstrong Consultants to develop the updated Airport Master Plan.
The objective of the plan is to outline proposed projects and airport development that promote sustainable and practical growth for the benefit of the community and the region, according to a news release.
Community members are encouraged to review and comment on the various elements of the airport layout plan.
The draft will be finalized and sent for Federal Aviation Administration review in the coming months.
Much of this layout plan is subject to project priorities, to include safety and environmental impact, passenger volume, and community/economic development. Funding is always a major factor, so this document will also serve as a guide to practical and responsible airport development.
The airport is working on upgrades to qualify for Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 139 Airport Certification, which would allow the airport additional funding and a commercial aircraft with 10 or more seats.
The projects includes improvements in airport technology, infrastructure, runway and fire suppression.
Pending FAA approval of Part 139 Airport Certification, Denver Air is prepared to utilize a twin-engine jet plane with 30-person capacity for commercial service at the Cortez Municipal Airport, Patton said.
The master plan’s recommended development is presented for three planning phases – short-term Phase 1 over five years, Phase 2 over 10 years, and Phase 3 over 20 years.
Phase 1 proposals include rehabilitating the general aviation and commercial ramp, expanding the paved parking lot and runway surface, and upgrading the fueling area to accommodate self-serve.
Phase 2 proposals include constructing a small “crosswind” runway to better accommodate general aviation, acquiring land for runway upgrades, upgrading the airport reference guide, expanding the general aviation apron to the west, constructing hangar facilities to accommodate demand as needed, and pavement maintenance.
Phase 3 proposals include expanding the terminal building, constructing hangar facilities as needed, and relocating and expanding air tanker base.
For more information, including documentation and exhibits, please visit the project transparency page at the following link:
