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Consultant pitches perimeter fencing, signage and hangar policy to boost Spanish Peaks Airport
Summary
A consultant told Huerfano County commissioners a marketing and CIP strategy focused on safety, signage, self-fueling upgrades and leasing standards could attract higher-value general-aviation traffic and private hangar investment at Spanish Peaks Airport.
Paul Anselm, a consultant with Bolton Mink, told the Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners that a focused marketing plan and capital improvement program could increase activity and revenue at Spanish Peaks Airport. He recommended perimeter fencing and card-reader gates to reduce wildlife strikes and improve security, improved wayfinding and a relocated monument sign reading "Spanish Peaks Airport," paving the access road and upgrading self-fueling infrastructure to support visiting pilots and prospective hangar tenants.
"One of the top priorities of an airport is what it looks like and what it feels like," Anselm said. He argued that improving curb appeal and amenities would make the airport more attractive to high-end general-aviation pilots and potential hangar developers, who often judge sites on runway length, access and visible services.
Anselm described a three-part approach—development and infrastructure, communications and leasing policy—and urged the county to create a hangar-development checklist, minimum leasing standards and a simple safety standard operating procedure the public can post online. He also recommended forming an airport advisory board to provide tenant feedback while leaving final decisions to the commissioners.
The consultant outlined practical, relatively low-cost measures to support hangar development and private investment, including validating a waiting list of potential tenants and using card readers (rather than simple keypad codes) to track access. He said a clear leasing policy would make it easier for developers to assess projects and avoid disputes between existing tenants and new businesses.
Commissioners and attendees praised the presentation and asked follow-up questions about implementation timelines and costs. Paul Anselm said the county's CIP would be finalized in September when Bolton Mink meets with the FAA and CDOT to pursue funding for recommended projects.
The board thanked Anselm for the report and indicated they would consider his recommendations as they work toward the CIP and tenant outreach.
