La Plata County Commissioner Julie Westendorff testified before the Colorado Senate Local Government Committee on Tuesday, March 29 in support of Senate Bill 16-168, which would enable counties to enter into airport agreements and authorities with jurisdictions in other states.
"This legislation would open the door for cooperation with our New Mexico neighbors for long-term sustainability of the Durango-La Plata County Airport," remarked Commissioner Westendorff. "A common theme we have heard from La Plata County residents is to make sure that users of the airport help to pay for the airport. This legislation enables opportunities for that to occur."
Westendorff was joined and supported by Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, who sponsored the bill in the Senate.
The bill passed out of the Senate Local Government Committee by a 5 to 0 vote and was passed by the full Senate on April 1. The bill will now move to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration, where it is being sponsored by Rep. J. Paul Brown, R-Ignacio.
Colorado Counties, Inc., the state association of counties, has identified SB 16-168 as one of its legislative priorities for 2016.
