Buena Vista Town Council approves FAA funding for 2025 airport construction project

Buena Vista's Board of Trustees made significant strides in enhancing local infrastructure during their recent meeting on May 27, 2025. The board approved two key resolutions aimed at improving the town's airport facilities and recreational offerings.

The first resolution, number 37, authorizes the acceptance of grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the 2025 North Apron construction project at the local airport. This year, the FAA increased its funding coverage from 90% to 95%, reducing the town's required local match from 5% to just 2.5%. This change is expected to ease financial burdens while ensuring the project proceeds smoothly. The board unanimously passed this resolution, marking a positive step toward enhancing airport operations.

Following this, resolution number 38 was also approved, which involves engaging Dibble Engineering as the project manager and Pyramid Construction as the contractor for the airport project. The total project cost is estimated at $594,000, slightly exceeding the previously approved budget of $666,000. However, FAA officials have assured the town that they will cover any shortfall, ensuring that the project remains financially viable.

In addition to airport improvements, the board discussed the long-awaited remodel of the Pocket Wave, a feature in the town's Whitewater Park. Resolution number 39 was passed to approve the construction contract for this project, which aims to enhance the wave's functionality for recreational use. The original design, constructed in 2014, has not performed as expected, providing limited recreational opportunities. The new design incorporates modern engineering techniques to improve water flow and recreational usability, with construction anticipated to begin this fall.

The community has actively supported the Pocket Wave project, contributing approximately $160,000 through fundraising efforts. This financial backing underscores the town's commitment to enhancing outdoor recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.

These resolutions reflect Buena Vista's proactive approach to infrastructure development and community engagement, setting the stage for improved facilities that will benefit both the local economy and quality of life. The board's decisions are expected to foster growth and enhance recreational opportunities in the area, with further updates anticipated as projects progress.