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Vernal City Council approves 48‑month Contour Airlines contract for Essential Air Service
Summary
The Vernal City Council voted unanimously March 18 to select Contour Airlines for a 48‑month commercial air service contract beginning Oct. 1, 2026; the County will consider the same proposal at its next meeting. The contract is funded through the federal Essential Air Service program and represents roughly $7 million annually.
The Vernal City Council voted unanimously March 18 to approve Contour Airlines as Vernal Regional Airport’s commercial air service provider under a 48‑month contract expected to begin Oct. 1, 2026.
Vernal Regional Airport Director Ken Campbell presented the proposals and recommendation to the joint city‑county meeting. “Mr. Campbell stated that in his professional opinion, continuing service with Contour Airlines would be the best option for the community, citing strong communication with company leadership and responsiveness to local needs.” The council’s motion, made by Councilmember Randel Mills and seconded by Councilmember Ed Long, passed with roll call votes recorded as 'aye' for Mills, O’Driscoll and Long.
City Manager Quinn Bennion told the council the contract is paid up front by the City and reimbursed through the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program; he said the arrangement represents approximately a $7 million annual agreement due to Vernal’s geographic isolation and eligibility for EAS funding. Airport Director Campbell noted the current Contour contract expires Sept. 30 and that a federal Request for Qualifications is open; public comment to the U.S. Department of Transportation closes April 7.
Campbell and city leaders emphasized that service reliability, interline connectivity and maintenance support were key factors in their evaluation. Campbell reviewed proposals from four bidders and explained operational considerations that informed his recommendation. Uintah County Commissioners indicated they had come to receive information only at this special meeting; Commissioner Sonja Norton invited Campbell to present the proposal at the County Commission meeting the following Tuesday, when the County will take its own vote.
The council’s action authorizes staff to proceed with the City’s preferred selection and to provide the city’s input to the Department of Transportation during the public‑comment period. No county decision was recorded at the joint meeting.
