All eyes are on La Plata County commissioners this week to make a recommendation, if any, for a proposed expansion to the Durango-La Plata County Airport.
The Durango City Council passed a resolution last week in support of pursuing a new terminal to the east side of the runway. The resolution passed 4-1, with only Mayor Sweetie Marbury opposing it.
County commissioners now must take a similar step in order for the project to move forward.
“Our airport expansion is about maintaining and expanding economic activity,” Durango City Councilor Christina Rinderle said.
The project city councilors backed could cost about $85 million. It would be built to accommodate existing passenger traffic.
Marbury stood alone in her opposition to building a new terminal. She preferred a plan to remodel the existing terminal because the city and county are facing an array of major infrastructure issues, including a needed property-tax increase to fund county roads.
“It’s my responsibility to look at that big picture,” she said.
Commissioners are expected to give formal direction on which plan they want to pursue Tuesday. Commissioners delayed taking a position until two public meetings were held last week in Bayfield and Ignacio.
Aviation Director Kip Turner said he fielded questions mostly from municipal officials because very few members of the public attended.
“If all presentations were that well-received, I’d be excited,” he said.
Commissioner Brad Blake said the only concern he heard in the meetings focused on Frontier Airlines not returning this year to provide seasonal service.
At a countywide public meeting earlier this month, residents asked commissioners to look at public-funding needs holistically, and the commissioners have promised to follow through on that request.
On the municipal level, the Bayfield Town Board may ask residents in November to increase sales taxes to fund road maintenance. This question failed twice last year.
Voters may not go for a property-tax and a sales-tax hike.
“Anytime you have multiple tax issues on the same ballot, there is always a level of concern,” Bayfield Town Manager Chris La May said.
While a property tax has been the most discussed option for funding the airport, in the coming months, the consultants will research all options for funding the airport at the request of both boards.
The outcome of the financial research will determine the future of moving the airport, also referred to as “Option 3.”
“We may get to the point Option 3 doesn’t work for some reason,” Councilor Keith Brant said.
mshinn@ durangoherald.com
