Airport HVAC Improvements (Phase 2)
The Town of Buena Vista is investing in heating and cooling improvements at the Central Colorado Regional Airport (CCRA) terminal building.
Phase 2 of the Airport HVAC project will add new heat pump systems to the terminal’s existing heating and cooling equipment, helping modernize an important Town facility while taking advantage of available energy-efficiency incentives.
Project Overview
The Airport HVAC Phase 2 project is part of the Town’s ongoing work to maintain and improve infrastructure at the Central Colorado Regional Airport.
The project was originally included in the Airport’s 2026 Capital Improvement Program with a budget of $22,000. As project costs and priorities evolved during the year, the Town sequenced several Airport capital projects to focus available resources on the most immediate needs.
During that process, HVAC Phase 2 was delayed, while additional funding was identified.
Airport staff have since identified helicopter flight testing revenue that can be dedicated to the project. Combined with an anticipated $12,000 Tri-State rebate, this additional revenue allows the Town to move the HVAC improvements forward while maintaining funding for other prioritized Airport projects.
Why Is This Project Needed?
The CCRA terminal is an important piece of community infrastructure supporting Airport operations, pilots, passengers, visitors, emergency services, and aviation-related activities.
Phase 2 continues improvements to the terminal’s heating and cooling systems by adding heat pumps to existing furnaces and evaporator coils.
The project represents a practical investment in existing Town infrastructure while leveraging an available rebate to reduce the final cost to the community.
Connection to Town Goals and Adopted Plans
EH Big Idea 3: Harness the Central Colorado Regional Airport as an economic driver
- EH Action 3A: Encourage commercial activity at and around the Airport
- EH Action 3C: Plan for future Airport expansion to accommodate growth and economic opportunities
Connection to Adopted Plans: Maintaining and modernizing the Central Colorado Regional Airport terminal supports the Town’s long-term investment in the Airport as an economic and community asset. HVAC Phase 2 improves the reliability, efficiency, and functionality of existing terminal infrastructure while leveraging Airport-generated revenue and available energy-efficiency incentives. The project complements a long line of adopted Town and Airport plans that call for continued investment in facilities and infrastructure necessary to support aviation activity, commercial opportunities, visitors, and future Airport growth.
- The 2016 Airport Master Plan establishes a long-term framework for maintaining and improving Airport facilities as aviation activity and facility needs evolve. HVAC Phase 2 supports that direction by reinvesting in existing terminal infrastructure necessary for continued Airport operations and future growth.
- The 2016 Airport Business Plan recognizes the importance of maintaining functional Airport facilities and supporting infrastructure to strengthen the Airport’s financial sustainability and ability to accommodate commercial and aviation-related activity. Modernizing the terminal HVAC system supports a reliable environment for Airport users, tenants, visitors, and business activity.
- The 2017 Economic Development Master Plan identifies the Airport as an important economic development asset for Buena Vista and the surrounding region. Maintaining and improving Airport facilities supports the Town’s ability to accommodate aviation-related businesses, flight operations, visitors, and other economic activity.
- The 2020 Facility Needs Assessment and 10-Year Plan emphasizes proactive maintenance and long-term investment in Town-owned facilities. HVAC Phase 2 advances this approach by improving an existing mechanical system before it becomes a larger operational or emergency maintenance issue and by considering long-term facility efficiency as part of the investment.
- The Town’s 2026 Airport Capital Improvement Program specifically identified HVAC Phase 2 as a planned Airport capital improvement. Although the project was originally budgeted at $22,000, its inclusion in the capital program established the improvement as an identified Airport facility need.
Together, these plans establish a consistent direction: maintain and strategically improve Airport infrastructure so the Central Colorado Regional Airport can continue serving as a safe, functional, financially sustainable, and economically productive community asset. HVAC Phase 2 advances that direction by reinvesting in the terminal building while using Airport-generated revenue and outside incentives to reduce the impact on other Town capital priorities.
What Work Will Be Completed?
Patriot Sons HVAC will install new heat pumps and associated equipment at the Airport terminal.
The project includes:
- Two 3-ton heat pumps for Units #3 and #4
- Four 5-ton heat pumps for Units #1, #2, #5, and #6
- Refrigerant line sets and associated wiring
- Equipment stands
- Electrical disconnects and service whips
- Required permitting and installation materials
- Labor and equipment necessary for installation
- Factory start-up and commissioning
How Is the Project Funded?
The total authorized contractor amount is $43,269.
The Town anticipates receiving a $12,000 Tri-State rebate, reducing the estimated net project cost to $31,269.
| Funding Summary | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original 2026 HVAC Phase 2 Budget | $22,000 |
| Current Gross Project Cost | $43,269 |
| Anticipated Tri-State Rebate | ($12,000) |
| Estimated Net Project Cost | $31,269 |
| Net Increase Over Original Budget | $9,269 |
The additional net project cost will be covered using earmarked helicopter flight testing revenue generated through Airport operations.
This funding approach allows the HVAC improvements to proceed without changing the Town’s previously established priorities for other Airport capital projects.
How Did We Get Here?
As part of the Town’s 2026 mid-year review, Airport capital projects were evaluated and re-sequenced based on available funding and immediate operational needs.
The Town prioritized several projects, including the AWOS relocation, fuel tank inspection, Ground Power Unit repair, and Airport terminal building repairs.
HVAC Phase 2 was placed later in the sequence until additional funding became available.
With a new source of Airport revenue identified and an anticipated energy-efficiency rebate available, funding is now in place to move the project forward.
What Happens Next?
The Buena Vista Board of Trustees considered Resolution No. 43 (Series of 2026) on June 9, 2026, authorizing the Professional Services Agreement with Patriot Sons HVAC for Airport HVAC Installation, Phase 2.
Airport staff will coordinate equipment procurement, permitting, scheduling, installation, and system start-up with the contractor.
As work progresses, the Town will use this page to provide updates about major project milestones and any anticipated impacts to Airport or terminal operations.
