The Colorado Aeronautical Board approved on Apr. 22 more than $7.3 million in state funding for local airport infrastructure improvements, safety enhancements, and support for cleaner aviation fuels. The grants are part of a broader effort to advance the goals outlined in the state’s 2020 Colorado Aviation System Plan, focusing on system viability, safety, and economic sustainability.
These investments matter because they help maintain and improve Colorado’s airport system while supporting environmental initiatives and ensuring continued economic benefits across the state.
The board approved three new state and local grant applications totaling $1,089,000. These projects are funded solely through state and local resources. Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport will receive $450,000 for pavement maintenance on its primary taxiway. Two other airports were awarded a combined $639,000 to transition to unleaded aviation fuel as part of efforts to reduce lead emissions in surrounding communities. This brings the Division’s total commitment this year for reducing lead impacts to $973,800 in alignment with Colorado House Bill 24-1235.
With this second round of grants, total funding under the 2026 State and Local program exceeds $10.2 million from the state alone; when combined with local matches, nearly $13.8 million will support statewide projects.
Separately, the board also approved 30 federal match and overmatch grant applications totaling more than $6.2 million in state funds designed to help airports meet requirements necessary to access federal funds from programs such as the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). For example, Burlington/Kit Carson County airport received over half a million dollars for access road improvements and airfield pavement maintenance; Eagle County Regional Airport was granted more than $900,000 toward acquiring a new aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle.
By combining these contributions from state, local governments, and federal sources—including matching grants—the Division of Aeronautics is facilitating an overall investment of about $201 million into Colorado’s airport system this year.
“These investments help ensure that Colorado’s airport system is safe, efficient and able to sustain the $68.9 billion annual economic impact this system enables,” said David Ulane, Division Director.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve quality of life through integrated transportation solutions throughout Colorado by building highways as well as administering grants for aviation projects like those announced by CAB.
