Durango airport expansion hinges on $3.9 million land deal

DURANGO (AP) — Officials in southwestern Colorado are planning to expand the Durango-La Plata County Airport.

The Durango Herald reports that the plan hinges on a $3.9 million purchase of land near the existing airport.

Durango city councilors are scheduled to vote on the purchase on Tuesday and La Plata County commissioners are scheduled for a vote on Feb. 12.

The expected sale would add more than 12 acres to the airport’s property. A city statement said the land would likely be used for parking, rental car facilities or roadways.

Airport Director Tony Vicari says an opportunity to buy land adjacent to an airport terminal is rare. He says an expansion would be funded by an existing $4.50 fee airport passengers pay.

According to the city, 378,000 passengers used the airport last year.