Greg Pedroza, director of aviation, presented a proposed terminal renovation at the Pueblo Memorial Airport during the Dec. 22 work session and asked the council to consider two ordinances (first reading that night) to fund a roughly $6 million project.

Pedroza said the renovation focuses on four phases that together expand the TSA hold room (relocating restrooms into the secure concourse), improve ADA accessibility at drop-off and sidewalks, modernize interior finishes, and add a fire-suppression sprinkler system for the terminal and upstairs offices. "Increasing the hold room size is an important to is important to accommodate larger aircraft with an increased passenger load," Pedroza said.

Funding proposed: Ordinance 1 would allocate $1.7 million from an existing Wells Fargo building/departments-relocation account; Ordinance 2 would draw about $4.28 million from half-cent sales tax proceeds for a combined project allocation near $6.0 million, including a 10% contingency, Pedroza said.

Pedroza acknowledged the airport has sought competitive FAA terminal-renovation grants in recent years without success but included a CDOT Aeronautics economic-impact study in the packet showing the airport contributes an estimated $226.1 million in total business revenues to the community and southern Colorado region. He also noted annual FAA entitlement grants (about $1 million annual range depending on enplanements) and said the airport typically records roughly 10,000 enplanements a year.

Councilors asked about related items: a new FAA air-traffic-control tower would be a separate FAA-funded investment (Pedroza said the FAA has earmarked funding for a new tower and it is not a city expense), and staff said the terminal project could provide classroom space to support a planned air-mechanic training program with Pueblo Community College funded by a just-transition grant.

Next steps: Pedroza said design is ready and an engineering consultant is on retainer for bidding; the ordinances for first reading were slated for the council meeting that night and procurement would follow if funds are approved.