Wellington could land new airport

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

A new $18.7 million airport could fly in Wellington, although it would take years before it lands there.

That's the implication of a study assessing the town's suitability as the site of a new general aviation airport that could attract new revenues and business opportunities.

"It looks pretty promising," said Town Administrator Larry Lorentzen. "With the Fort Collins (Downtown) Airport closing down, there is a need."

The need for a new northern Colorado airport already has been recognized in the Colorado Aviation System Plan prepared by the state's Department of Transportation. CDOT demonstrated its support by funding 80 percent of the study's cost. The remainder was split between the town and the local pilots' association.

The study's further confirmation of the need and feasibility now allows Wellington to apply for inclusion in the five-year National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, making it eligible for Federal Aviation Administration funding. If the town decides to proceed, Lorentzen said, airport funding could be available as early as 2011.

"Probably the earliest we could get something built would be 2013," he predicted, with opening possible the following year.

Lorentzen said the consultants will submit a business plan and final draft of the study on July 10. Then, he said, the Wellington Town Board will consider adopting the plan and a resolution to seek inclusion in the federal plan.

The consultants found that half of those responding to a survey of aircraft owners within a 30-mile radius of Wellington would be willing to relocate to a new facility there. The rest were divided, with 28 percent expressing moderate or mixed support and 22 percent opposed.

Four locations within the town's three-mile growth management area were identified as potential sites for the 460-acre airport. The preferred one was north of County Road 70 and west of CR 9. Other candidates were north of CR 66 and west of CR 9, north of CR 68 and west of CR 9, and north of CR 70 and east of CR 5.

The report estimates that federal funds could cover 69 percent, or almost $12.9 million, of the $18.7 million estimated cost. The state could pick up about 4 percent of the cost, or almost $800,000. Local and private funds would be required to pay for the remaining $5 million.

According to the report, the airport would break even on revenues and expenses after slightly more than 150 aircraft were based there. As a comparison, state statistics show that 126 aircraft in 2005 were based at the Fort Collins Downtown Airport, which posted 17,574 takeoffs or landings. It closed in December 2006.

Any airport must be government-owned to be eligible for federal funds. Lorentzen said it's currently expected the town would be the owner, although the study identifies other ownership options in partnership with the county or an independent airport authority.

A 4,700-foot runway would be adequate for the single engine aircraft flown by the majority of those surveyed. The report, however, determined a 6,000-foot runway would be required to accommodate all potential users including twin-engine aircraft and small to midsize business jets.

The consultants acknowledged that the runway most likely would be constructed of asphalt, noting that many of the pilots surveyed suggested adding a turf extension. "The presence of a turf runway at the airport would make it unique amongst the other area airports and may attract pilots who would not otherwise use the airport," the study noted. "It has the potential of making the airport more attractive to pilot organizations that organize fly-ins for pancake breakfasts, etc."

The consultants also assume that a full parallel taxiway would be constructed to increase safety and efficiency. It recommends that fueling be provided by a fixed-base operator rather than the town.