Board accepts state revitalization grant for landscaping and dumpster enclosure, defers final placement to March retreat

The Grand County Airport Board voted Jan. 6 to accept a state revitalization grant to fund landscaping improvements at the airport entrance and construction of a dumpster enclosure, with an estimated grant amount of $46,500. The board approved the award and directed staff to return in March with a final proposed location and design.

Tammy said the grant opportunity came from a UDOT revitalization program that makes funds available to support front-of-property improvements; she described the program as having up to $100,000 available annually. The board discussed alternate locations for the dumpster enclosure and whether the structure should be a privacy fence or a masonry enclosure. Tammy said much of the work would be done in-house and that the grant does not require a county match.

Some tenants and board members raised concerns about convenience for hangar tenants and lighting; Andrea (airport staff) noted the existing dumpster location is well lit and convenient for nights and for landside technicians. After debate, the board voted to accept the grant for $46,500, to approve spending the funds on landscaping and an enclosure, and to continue discussion about final dumpster placement at the March 3 retreat. The motion included a fallback option allowing the project to proceed without the enclosure if the board preferred to remove that item and proceed with landscaping only.

Tammy said permanent bids were not yet solicited; the airport expects to do some work in-house and to obtain estimates before a full contract. The approved scope is landscaping of the entrance hill and construction of an enclosure for the dumpster near the terminal; specific materials and final footprint were left for later discussion and possible redrafting to accommodate tenant needs.