Commission accepts up to $9.075 million FAA grant for airport apron and pavement improvements; county to match 5%

The Grand County Commission voted Oct. 7 to accept an Airport Improvement Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for up to $9,075,000 to expand concrete parking and repave apron areas at Grand County Airport, with a county match of up to 5 percent, or $453,750.

Commissioner Whitfield, speaking to the grant request, said the project will expand the airport’s large-jet parking capacity so aircraft that currently relocate to other airports can be parked in Moab. “This is a big plus for the county,” he said, describing the project as an investment in the airport’s long-term service capacity.

Budget and timing: Presenters said the project is expected to be largely funded by the FAA grant; the county match was described as budgeted from capital improvement funds and could include a previously approved loan to the airport that would be repaid. Commissioners asked staff to confirm the capital-budget coding and to track the county’s preauthorized capital commitments; staff said the match amount would be drawn from capital improvements.

Vote: The motion to accept the FAA grant and authorize a 5 percent match passed Oct. 7. The roll call recorded five votes in favor, one abstention, and one absence (commissioner Hadeen was absent). Commissioner Heather recorded the abstention on the public record.

Next steps and impact: County staff and the airport director will complete grant acceptance paperwork and proceed with project procurement and design. Commissioners described the work as improving long-term airport capacity, including pavement in front of county-owned hangars leased to private operators.

Ending: The commission accepted the grant and authorized staff to move forward with grant paperwork and capital accounting; staff will return with procurement steps and project schedule.