[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6540660,"mediaKeyId","3377824-5eb9aa84dd019d1d373b677ac6f126e7","parentId",3377824,"title","Rio Blanco County weighs Meeker Airport GA ramp replacement after low bid exceeds budget","audioSeconds",3099,"startMs",676000,"endMs",3775000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3377824-5eb9aa84dd019d1d373b677ac6f126e7&start=676&end=3775","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3377824-5eb9aa84dd019d1d373b677ac6f126e7/thumbnail_676000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6540660/Rio-Blanco-County/Colorado/Rio-Blanco-County-weighs-Meeker-Airport-GA-ramp-replacement-after-low-bid-exceeds-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540660-e9e62bdb1aa6c05b9bc72e7dc963da04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167230&Signature=cfAG8lusPJ5uy5vNfHGKABc2Pd8zA6-sv0qvQa32iw~-3Gya25SsyCE01ltM~By~U0ExA7529aYnoi~v4PvXUyu4ctnLlNyv6eAQYNOSzw~k6~i9zCnRDUakCJd5ikKNx-BdvzvWyreModybALEvmfg9frfNih56mB6baKq17Z8Q5QVhtLm-GOxGZvb9ovbbFPt358JYXeiR~lamvCmIc5DvUc35KkgXVzhAqeCBXI6jmWWfbswOmdqxFuqOg9-IhAveEwoaR5sKhEXtLL2Zl4W4T6l-PgES6gmJytNLhVrrFi2UoSZ5N7~7cVStmt6cfyxczf1ouaTPgcaxM4aW4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rio Blanco County","date","2025-05-19T13:13:15Z","article","Rio Blanco County commissioners on May 19, 2025, discussed whether to proceed with replacing the Meeker Airport general aviation (GA) ramp after bids came in above the county’s 2025 budget. County airport staff said the low bidder, Elevated Excavating, submitted a total low bid of $3,009,097.01 and that the full project cost without contingency is $3,459,297.01, including an FAA‑ineligible portion of $736,995.32 that the county would need to cover.

The issue matters because most airport capital work is eligible for federal reimbursement through FAA entitlements and the state’s CDOT Aeronautics bill funding, but FAA rules deem the 50‑foot apron in front of privately owned hangars ineligible for federal funds. Eric, the county airport presenter, told commissioners that the project as bid is broken into Schedule 1 (FAA‑eligible) and Schedule 2 (FAA‑ineligible) and that the ineligible portion falls to the county to replace.

\"We received 3 bids, and the low bidder is Elevated Excavating,\" Eric said. \"They have a total bid of $3,009,097.01. ... Schedule 2 is the FAA ineligible funding of $736,995.32.\" He said the county had budgeted $3,000,000 for the project in the 2025 budget and that the estimated FAA reimbursement is roughly $1,900,000, leaving the county responsible for about $459,297.01 above the current appropriation if the board chooses to proceed this year.

Airport staff outlined three primary options: 1) move forward in 2025, cover the approximately $459,000 gap now and seek reimbursement later (including using 2026 entitlement and bill funds to reimburse the county); 2) absorb the full project cost this year and not reallocate next year’s entitlements; or 3) delay awarding the contract until 2026, rebid and use additional FAA/CDOT funds built up in the interim. Staff warned that delaying could push other planned projects in the county’s 5‑ and 10‑year capital plans later and that bill funding currently available is scheduled to sunset next year.

Commissioners asked multiple questions about bid hold periods, CDOT inspection schedules and how hangar ownership affects eligibility. Commissioner Jennifer said she favored completing the project but asked for time to see the county’s finances and options: \"I want to see where our finances break out. I want to see where our money's at and what our options are,\" she said. Another commissioner said the item felt rushed and requested a site tour before deciding.

Staff noted other related issues that could affect county costs: inconsistent collection of ground leases at the Rangely Airport, and differing contract arrangements with fixed base operators that can affect which hangar aprons are county responsibility. Eric said Holter Aviation holds the FBO and airport manager contracts in Meeker; he identified some hangars whose apron areas may be treated differently for lease and maintenance purposes.

Next steps: commissioners asked county finance staff (Lisa) to prepare a written breakdown of possible funding sources and scenarios and to put the item back on a near‑term agenda so the board could consider awarding the contract. Commissioners also discussed a planned site tour (scheduled for June 21) to inspect conditions at both airports before making a final decision. The low bidder indicated availability to begin work, but staff cautioned the bid may not be held indefinitely if the county delays awarding.

The board did not vote to award the contract at the May 19 special meeting. Instead, commissioners requested more detailed financial analysis and planned further review at an upcoming meeting, with the option to call additional meetings if needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 19th, 2025 - Rio Blanco County Board of County Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Rio Blanco County commissioners on May 19, 2025, discussed whether to proceed with replacing the Meeker Airport general aviation ramp after bids came in above the county’s 2025 budget; the low construction bid was $3,009,097.01 and staff said the total project cost without contingency is $3,459,297.01, including $736,995.32 that is not eligible for FAA funding.","taxTitle","Rio Blanco County, Colorado","taxId",27808,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6540650,"Commissioners approve letter to Anschutz Exploration on County Road 77 bridge replacement project",132,4589000,4721000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3377824-5eb9aa84dd019d1d373b677ac6f126e7&start=4589&end=4721","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3377824-5eb9aa84dd019d1d373b677ac6f126e7/thumbnail_4589000.jpg","/articles/6540650/Rio-Blanco-County/Colorado/Commissioners-approve-letter-to-Anschutz-Exploration-on-County-Road-77-bridge-replacement-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540650-170ad971ae12511a82312791b868f7f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167230&Signature=JDlFcvAmXAyimiBPXtNq7yiBbAHpzm4seMppUeaX3CYbeo0ag-L~9qV9x96FZjg8qVdiiyFNGesZQKOF-WgvYfyDdij~vy2MMse0pzwI4NJtt4Nn485pZ3PLZdSOuVLcO7VVek-It39jYOHgw6ncslT9f83FWII0RjcdbVMHgKF2zO1RZGsjUI82pDUocwn0VepxijKZwPbxMNbEsJiMkEEhkv3jQlnu5F2p0-nNTDM8lpLpK3hj9EK50NZsOckCM8XXBeCeRSGKR5YwUuW8oe9jDRf6JbhnmAp5gG5Q3yTWAz4c2Vtvq2ZzAHL32pCdJbc4-RWfhBAfMoN5Gd7kvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rio Blanco County commissioners on May 19, 2025, voted to approve a letter to Anschutz Exploration regarding the County Road 77 bridge replacement project.

A commissioner moved to approve the letter and another commissioner seconded. The board approved the motion on a roll call vote: Commissioner O'Hara — Aye; Commissioner Richfield — Aye; Commissioner Overton — Aye.

One speaker noted that several recipients on the distribution list (including a contact identified as Matt) had not yet reviewed the draft; staff said they had distributed draft copies on Friday and would follow up by phone to confirm receipt and solicit any last‑minute comments before transmission.

The letter was authorized for transmittal to the parties listed in the draft, and staff will confirm the distribution list and follow up as needed.","On May 19, 2025, Rio Blanco County commissioners authorized sending a letter to Anschutz Exploration concerning the County Road 77 bridge replacement project. The motion passed unanimously; staff will confirm receipt by named contacts and follow up as needed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6540656,"Rio Blanco commissioners approve letter supporting changes to BLM‑Colorado MOU on oil and gas permitting",797,3781000,4578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3377824-5eb9aa84dd019d1d373b677ac6f126e7&start=3781&end=4578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3377824-5eb9aa84dd019d1d373b677ac6f126e7/thumbnail_3781000.jpg","/articles/6540656/Rio-Blanco-County/Colorado/Rio-Blanco-commissioners-approve-letter-supporting-changes-to-BLMColorado-MOU-on-oil-and-gas-permitting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540656-a3a1b1a62943acfd25146ac03ecf496d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167230&Signature=NpJOCLZDTeXxLgXpC7i7POj2nRaNCcjHq3Oz5y-DmqbO1Pf4FiRyE4U8LsNOq8UdiD3NXVi5G~5LWVxOnubKzQMFEbjcDNwXBhITn6~VwIfiS6xliS7SKfsSDP5bsh19hIzqMPh3RbDz9wd-DYt1Td~AY0AEDS-Ha0cBvAxRvo5qL62IalPHsbZV4fNQX~SaUedcvMJh4DzdhLz~4IgkBcBdsmvY7YktDmRhh4xYmZE49YR5MBYTSC70DmmUjrgryADY8NPL5I6J58zPAT2VAoxGfcdorlE5xPNx5coWcBx3zsny-1frFrwunc7aHEmRg2iyVTVM0lrqbhHZbnOvXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rio Blanco County commissioners on May 19, 2025, approved a letter of support related to proposed changes to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and State of Colorado memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning oil and gas permitting.

A motion to approve the letter was seconded and carried on a roll call vote: Commissioner Richfield — Aye; Commissioner Overton — Aye; Commissioner O'Hara — Aye.

Reese, who briefed the board, said the letter is intended to foster more discussion between the BLM and state officials and to help guide negotiations for QB’s development, noting the BLM had expressed caution about some draft MOU language. \"I think the letter's in good shape to submit, for QB's use in further negotiations and draftings,\" Reese said.

Commissioners and staff discussed a broader federal‑state permitting question that came up in meetings with federal officials: whether state permitting must occur before federal permitting can start. County attendees said they plan to continue discussing timelines with federal officials and with ECMC to try to reduce duplicative delays. One commissioner encouraged staff attending Washington meetings to press Department of the Interior officials for clarity on the interplay of state and federal permitting requirements.

The board’s action was procedural: the letter was authorized for transmission to the parties listed in the draft, and staff said they expect continued dialogue and additional draft language to circulate in coming months.","The board voted unanimously on May 19, 2025, to approve a letter of support intended to encourage further negotiation between the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado over an MOU related to oil and gas permitting; county speakers said the letter is meant to support local operator QB and to prompt further interagency discussions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rio Blanco County weighs Meeker Airport GA ramp replacement after low bid exceeds budget

Commissioners approve letter to Anschutz Exploration on County Road 77 bridge replacement project

Rio Blanco commissioners approve letter supporting changes to BLM‑Colorado MOU on oil and gas permitting