Erie Municipal Airport Approved for Terminal Renovation

Erie Municipal Airport will be undergoing a new makeover in the near future. The airport terminal building is approximately 50 years old and is “reaching the end of its effective use” according to a news release from the Town of Erie. Last year, the Town of Erie Public Works Director Todd Fessenden oversaw a facility condition assessment, conducted by Wold Architects and Engineers. The firm called for the removal of the administration area of the terminal building. According to the assessment, the restrooms in each building are not up to current code standards, and many of the electrical and mechanical systems are nearing the end of their expected life. In addition, Wold Architects and Engineers recommended that renovations be done to the hangar, as the exterior shows signs of age, with “damage to the metal skin, the insulation, and the roofing system.

The assessment also listed site safety concerns related to the overall condition of the concrete and pedestrian access to the airport. In total, the recommended renovations or replacements to areas of the ailing airport will cost between $2,675,200 and $3,648,000.

This information was presented by town staff to the AEDAB and the Board of Trustees, giving the recommendation to the board to proceed with the design of a new terminal building.

Costs for the design of the new terminal will be covered by several funding sources, including the airport enterprise fund from 2021 Federal Aviation Administration grants, a past insurance weather-related damaged claim, the FAA for 2022 American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) grants, the Colorado Department of Transportation and a local match from the Town of Erie.

To cover the rest of the costs, Grants Manager Stephanie Sanders is in the process of pursuing additional funding, according to the news release. These funding pursuits include a new $3 million FAA Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant to cover the construction costs of the new terminal building.
Town staff said that they expect the FAA to announce the recipients of this grant in July.