ALAMOSA — The Alamosa County Airport Advisory Board met at 8:15 a.m. on July 9, to share updates and plans for the future. Big items on the agenda included the airport’s upcoming September inspection and achieving a record 10,000 enplanements this past year.

Will Hickman, Airport Manager, stated: “This is a huge milestone for this airport, as it is the first time in history we’ve reached this number.” With this achievement comes eligibility for a whopping $1 million dollar grant and partnership with a larger airline. The Department of Transportation approval is pending and should be decided on by August 1, 2020.

The Board spent much of the June 9 meeting discussing what should be done with the grant money. There are still questions surrounding whether or not there are spending rules and deadlines for this money. These questions hope to be answered by the Board’s next meeting. Until then, possible actions include, spending the money on – more seating inside the airport, repaving airport hangars, informational highway signs, snow and ice removal equipment, and a building to store that equipment in.

The Board also spent time preparing for September’s routine inspection, which Hickman believes the airport will pass “with flying colors.” In other news, the airport is looking to hire a part-time aircraft refueler. Chris Martinez thanked Jessica Taylor, Airport Operations Manager, and Hickman for their exceptional implementation of social distancing measures. Advisory Chairwoman, Donna Wehe, encouraged airport staff and employees to reach out regarding preparation for the inspection and how to spend the grant money.

The Board’s next meeting will be on September 10, at 8:15 a.m.