South Apron Rehab & Taxilane (Design)

South Apron Rehab & Expansion (Design Phase)

South Apron pavement is in bad repair and unfinished in places. Additional transient aircraft parking space is needed at the south end of the airfield, particularly for long-term transient aircraft. Construction Phase planned for 2027. Apron rehabilitation and expansion design supports increased airport capacity, encourages new business activity, and advances the plan’s directive to strategically expand the airport to attract and retain economic opportunities.

This project funds the rehabilitation and expansion of the south aircraft apron at the Central Colorado Regional Airport. The work will repair aging pavement, expand aircraft parking and taxi space, and improve safety and stormwater drainage. It ensures the airport can continue to support local business, tourism, emergency response, and flight training activity safely and efficiently.

• 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: Ongoing development of airport infrastructure to accommodate business and turbine AC operations to provide economic vitality for the Town of Buena Vista and Chaffee County. The South Apron Rehabilitation and Expansion fulfills a long line of adopted Town and airport plans, strengthening Buena Vista’s role as a regional aviation hub while improving safety, economic capacity, and environmental performance.

• The 2016 Airport Master Plan identifies the south apron as a key area for pavement rehabilitation and future expansion to meet increased aircraft parking demand and improve circulation safety.
• The 2016 Airport Business Plan directly calls for upgrading apron conditions to maintain compliance with FAA standards and support additional hangar and tie-down capacity.
• The 2018 Airport Marketing Plan reinforces this by promoting the airport as a regional economic hub, noting that improved infrastructure is essential to attract aviation businesses, charter services, and events.
• The 2017 Economic Development Master Plan positions the airport as a key local employer and business asset, supporting investments that increase capacity, safety, and connectivity to the broader region.
• The 2020 Facility Needs Assessment and 10-Year Plan identifies airport infrastructure as critical to long-term operational efficiency and public safety, recommending regular rehabilitation cycles for airfield pavement.
• The 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan calls for flood and drainage improvements around the airport property — an issue directly addressed in this apron expansion project.
• The 2014 Master Drainage Study (West of Highway 24) supports the integration of stormwater management into airport expansion design to protect adjacent land and maintain environmental compliance.

Project Background and Rationale:

• Funding: $250,000
  • Seeking private funding sources