The Durango City Council and the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners came to a temporary impasse on picking an option for the Durango-La Plata County Airport expansion Thursday morning.
Commissioners Gwen Lachelt and Julie Westendorff insisted on waiting to hear from residents in Ignacio and Bayfield before asking consultants to research an airport option further.
Westendorff also asked Airport Director Kip Turner to set up a meeting with the Southern Ute Tribal Council.
“I think it’s important we check in with the other local governments that might be subject to the tax,” Westendorff said.
Several city councilors and Commissioner Brad Blake expressed frustration about further delay. Many were ready to ask the consultants to research the financial aspects of building a new airport on the east side of the runway. This is an intermediate step in the process.
“I think we’re done. We’re waiting on you,” Councilor Keith Brant said.
The two boards have been considering plans to remodel the current terminal, build a new terminal next to the existing one or build a new terminal on the east side of the runway.
The $85 million proposal to build an airport on the east side is a scaled back plan, and the recommended option by consultants and airport staff.
Bayfield Mayor Rick Smith said he appreciated the commissioners’ efforts to be inclusive.
“I think it’s excellent. You have to give some respect to the residents on the eastern side of the county,” he said.
Turner and County Manager Joe Kerby plan to attend two town-hall meetings in Bayfield and Ignacio on Wednesday.
Westendorff and Lachelt said they would be ready to pick an option during a meeting March 24.
Westendorff also asked Turner and other staff members to research all the possible funding alternatives for the airport once an option is selected.
She suggested looking into a regional transportation district that would extend beyond La Plata County, user fees and federal money to develop airports on Native American reservations. The airport is largely surrounded by the Southern Ute Indian reservation.
So far, only an increase in property taxes and matching funds from the Federal Aviation Administration have been discussed as funding options.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
