TELLURIDE AIRPORT RUNWAY PROJECT ON SCHEDULE

The Telluride Airport runway reconstruction project started on April 7 and is scheduled to be completed on time:  November 4th, 2009.

Taking the lead, Rich Nuttall, airport manager, said “The earthwork has been completed. It’s exciting to see the new asphalt in place and the runway taking shape. This is economic stimulus in real time. This robust investment will secure the future of Telluride Airport and put us back on the map as a state-of-the-art facility. We look forward to seeing you all back up here flying this winter.”

This phase of the runway project included the removal of the existing runway and a great reduction in grades to increase safety and meet FAA standards.  The construction results in the west end of the runway being lowered 30 feet the center of the runway (dip) being raised 16 feet, and the east end of the runway being lowered 14 feet.  In addition, the safety areas have been widened by 100 feet on half the runway and all new runway lighting will be installed. This new runway will put Telluride in a new light for private jet owners as well as commercial flight operations. It will provide a much safer take-off and landing environment!

The final phase of this project will include widening the remaining runway safety areas and installing the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) at the end of each runway. We are anticipating that this last phase can be completed in 2011 if funding becomes available. We are not anticipating an airport closure for the final construction phase.

There is nothing like the 4th of July in Telluride. The town is energized with people walking around and enjoying the weather and the flowers. The farmers market is bustling with customers stocking up for their bbq’s tomorrow. The weather is just unbeatable at 70 degrees and scattered clouds to keep us cool. I am so happy to be once again riding my bike around town to do my daily chores like going to the postoffice, bank, and market. Hiking season is in full swing and I can’t wait to hit some of my favorites like – Silver lake, Hope Lake, and Sneffel’s highline.

Tomorrow is the parade and the firemen’s bbq. The kids are all excited for fireworks and fun with the family. There is just nothing like fourth of July in Telluride.

It is that time of the year again in Telluride. People are walking about on mainstreet, cars are already lined up by the park and the bluegrass “festivarians” are starting to arrive. The summer kicked off with Mountain Film and then Jazz Festival and the Balloon Festival and now we are in full swing. I love the summer in Telluride and the steady stream of travelers.

It has been raining daily so bring your rain gear no matter what. Even if it is bluebird in the morning the Telluride monsoon season has set in. All this rain has made for the greenest Telluride I have seen in awhile. The mountains are snowcapped and all the trees and flowers are in full bloom. The scenery is truly spectacular. After more than a decade living here, I never grow tired of the views.