ALAMOSA — At the regular meeting of the San Luis Valley Regional Airport advisory board meeting on Jan. 12, Airport Manager Will Hickman briefed the board on several issues including the airport budget and a proposed snow removal equipment building and proposed parking fees.

Hickman said the budget for the airport, which is included in the Alamosa County budget, estimates the airport will have revenues of $4.2 million and expenses of $5.4 million leaving the county will a deficit of $1.2 million.

According to the county budget, airport revenue will decrease by one percent due to a reduction in American Rescue Plan funding for airport operations.

Airport expenditures are projected to increase by 61% in 2023, mainly due to major projects including a proposed new Snow Removal Equipment building (SRE) and a new SRE broom. The $ 2.5 million SRE building will mostly be financed by federal funding and a 2.5% match from the county.

During the meeting, Hickman said the SRE broom will cost approximately $700,000.

The airport is considering a contract with a company called MSB Municipal to implement charging to park a vehicle at the airport. That proposal was referred to the parking lot committee for further consideration.

According to Hickman the airport had 8,811 passenger enplanements in 2022.

The airport has a staff of seven to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) requirements. All staff are ARFF trained in the event of an emergency during aircraft takeoff or landing.

Current advisory board chairman Randy Wright and Kent Buchanan, current board vice chairman will switch roles with Buchanan becoming chairman and Wright becoming vice chairman. The change was approved by the board.

Jon Coleman of Denver Air Connection texted a few updates to the meeting including a current promotion of $69 one-way fares between Alamosa and Denver.

Last year the airline was awarded a $5.2 million federal Department of Transportation subsidy to provide service under the Essential Air Service program. That subsidy runs through June 30, 2024. Denver Air began service into Alamosa last June. Denver Air has a code sharing agreement with United Airlines and passengers can book flights from Alamosa to any United destination.