Potential hurdles for an expansion of the

Consultants have found wetlands, potential habitat for two endangered species and seven potential sites of cultural and historical significance to Native American tribes, said Colleen Cummins, a project manager for Jviation.

Consultants with Jviation called out these issues while updating local officials on the federally required environmental assessment. The assessment and plans for mitigation must be done to expand the Durango-La Plata County Airport significantly and realign the access roads.

The assessment is scheduled to be finished in November 2017, a year after an airport property tax question may come before voters.

“This was the intended time line to do the environmental assessment, so we know the completion of a lengthy and rigorous process is warranted and supported by the public,” said Mayor Dean Brookie.

City and county officials have supported building a new terminal on the east side of the runway for $85 million in its first phase. They are expected to ask voters in November to approve a property tax increase to fund construction. But a ballot question has not been formally approved by commissioners.

The environmental assessment process started in October and will continue this summer when consultants will look for Southwestern Willow Flycatchers and the New Mexico Jumping Mouse, which are both endangered species, Cummins said.

If the species are found, the consultants will work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife on the issue, she said.

Consultants will also identify how the disturbance of the wetlands can be mitigated. The realigned access to the airport is planned to cross these wetlands, she said.

The consultants have also notified 37 tribes about the assessment and five of them are coming to walk the cultural sites where pottery shards and arrowheads have been found, Cummins said. She couldn’t say if these sites are close to planned construction.

The consultants are also evaluating noise and air pollution, she said.

Brookie said he found the report from the consultants normal and he does not expect the project will be delayed.

County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt said local officials have factored in the time an environmental assessment will require.

“I think it’s something that we’ve understood from the beginning,” she said

The consultants plan to host an open house to explain the findings so far in two meetings in Durango and Ignacio this week.

mshinn@durangoherald.com

Airport open houses

An open house on the environmental assessment of the airport expansion will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the La Plata County Administration Building, 1101 East Second Ave.

A second one will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Abel F. Atencio Community Room in Ignacio Town Hall, 570 Goddard Ave.