Officials from the Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) are inviting the public to a community open house to review work completed so far on the 20-year airport master plan, and to provide input on improvements being contemplated for the future. The open house will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 2 at the EGE Terminal Building, located at 217 Eldon Wilson Road in Gypsum. All interested community members are encouraged to attend.
Eagle County Aviation Director Greg Phillips says the airport master planning process provides a comprehensive evaluation and plan for future airport improvements to enhance safety and meet projected demand in a thoughtful and strategic manner. “We are excited to extend this opportunity to community members to hear about the possibilities of improvements at the airport,” said Phillips.
According the Phillips, the master plan is an essential element in ensuring eligibility and funding for airport capital improvement projects from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Aeronautics. “We have been successful in receiving significant federal and state grants to ensure the viability of this important community asset,” Phillips said. “The master plan will help us to continue this success in the future.”
A citizen advisory committee made up of more than 30 community members, as well as airport staff, the Board of County Commissioners, CDOT Aeronautics and the FAA have provided input and direction throughout the process so far. User surveys and focus groups were utilized to garner additional input. At the July 2 open house, community members will have an opportunity to view a variety of alternatives addressing potential improvements to the airfield, terminal and landside facilities such as hangars, parking and roadways.
Work already completed includes an inventory of current facilities, forecasts of future aviation activity and recommended safety improvements. Following the open house, further refinement of the alternatives will be completed including a financial feasibility analysis.
Ninety-five percent of the $595,229 planning project is being funded through a grant from the FAA. The county has partnered with Jviation, an airport planning firm based in Denver, to facilitate the process. Additional information regarding the Master Plan and work completed can be found at www.eaglecounty.us/EGEMasterPlan, or call 970-328-2680 for more information.