Airport update: Grand County reviews fuel transition, apron rehab bids and hanger activity

Sean Mahorney, airport manager, briefed the board on 2025 airport operations, hangar activity and capital projects. He said fuel revenues increased even while small-aircraft operations fell, apparently because larger aircraft and charters bought more fuel. Mahorney summarized federal and state guidance requiring airports to plan for unleaded 100-octane aviation replacements by 2030 and described grant opportunities that could fund most of the transition costs (he cited a 90% state funding possibility for tank installation in Kremmling).

On the apron rehabilitation at the Kremmling airport, Mahorney said a prior bid came back far above the funded amount ($3.6 million estimated cost versus $1.8 million funded); the project was rebid with revised specifications (lower-grade base course where appropriate) and bid closing is March 12. The board discussed the risk that remaining funding gaps could require county contingency support if bids exceed awards. He also described a blast-fence coordination process with the FAA and potential PAPI (precision approach path indicator) upgrades at Granby, noting one end of a runway shows degraded approach lighting and is on NOTAMs as "unusable" though pilots often continue to use that approach.

Mahorney reviewed hanger development and lease activity, described plans for a Granby northwest hangar access gate and potential site work using recycled apron millings, and said airport staff will continue pursuing grant opportunities for apron rehab and PAPI upgrades. The BOCC approved a resolution to renew three airport advisory committee members' terms

(renewals recorded in the meeting).