APPLICATION UNDER 

SMAL L COMMUNITY AI R SERVIC E DEVELOPMEN T PROGRAM 

DOCKE T DOT-OST-2014-0133 

SUMMARY INFORMATION ! 

All applicants must submit this Summary Information schedule, as the application 

coversheet, a completed standard form SF424 and the full application proposal on 

www.grants.gov. 

For your preparation convenience, this Summary Information schedule is located at 

http://www.dot.gov/policv/aviation-policv/small-conTmunitv-rural-air-service/SCASDP 

A. PROVID E TH E LEGA L SPONSOR AND ITS DUN AND BRADSTREE T (D&B) DATA UNIVERSAL 

NUMBERING SYSTE M (DUNS) NUMBER, INCLUDING +4, EMPLOYE E IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

(EIN) OR TA X ID. Enter Y or N 

Legal Sponsor Name: Montrose Regional Airport 

Name of Signatory Party for Legal Sponsor: chairman, County Board of County Commissioners 

DUNS Number: 0764710770000 ~~~ 

EIN/Tax ID: 846000787 

B. LIS T TH E NAM E O F TH E COMMUNITY OR CONSORTIUM O F COMMUNITIES APPLYING: 

! Montrose County Colorado 

2 . Colorado Flights Alliance 

3. 

4. 

C . PROVID E TH E FUL L AIRPORT NAME AND 3-LETTE R IAT A AIRPOR T COD E FOR TH E 

APPLICANT(S) AIRPORT(S ) (ONL Y PROVIDE CODES FO R TH E AIRPORT(S ) THA T AR E ACTUALL Y 

SEEKIN G SERVICE) . 

l . Montrose Regional Airport, MTJ 2. 

- -

Note that the Summary Information does not count against the 20-page limit ofthe SCASDP application. 
DOE S TH E AIRPORT SEEKIN G SERVIC E HOLD AN AIRPORT OPERATIN G CERTIFICAT E ISSUED B Y 

T H E FEDERA L AVIATIO N ADMINISTRATION UNDER 14 CF R PAR T 139 ? (I F "NO", PLEAS E 

EXPLAI N WHETHE R TH E AIRPORT INTENDS T O APPL Y FOR A CERTIFICAT E O R WHETHE R AN 

APPLICATION UNDER PAR T 139 IS PENDING.) 

/ J Yes D No (explain) 

D . LIS T TH E 2-DIGIT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRIC T COD E APPLICABL E T O TH E SPONSORING 

ORGANIZATION, AND I F A CONSORTIUM, TO EAC H PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY. 

1. CO 3rd 2. 

E . APPLICAN T INFORMATION: (CHEC K AL L THA T APPLY ) 

[/] Not a Consortium Q Interstate Consortium Intrastate Consortium 

| [ Community currently receives subsidized Essential Air Service 

[ / I Community (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Air 

Service Development Program Grant 

If previous recipient: Provide year of grant(s): 8-24-06 thru 8-31-09 . aru j 9 

the text ofthe grant agreement section(s) setting forth the scope of the grant project: 

F . PUBLIC/PRIVAT E PARTNERSHIPS : (LIS T ORGANIZATION NAMES) 

PUBLI C PRIVAT E 

Montrose County 1. 

2. 2. 

3. 3. 

4. 4. 

5. 5. 
G . PROJEC T PROPOSAL: 

1. GRAN T GOALS : (CHEC K AL L THA T APPLY ) 

f/| Launch New Carrier [J/J Secure Additional Service Q Upgrade Aircraft 

| | First Service |~/] New Route Service Restoration 

| | Regional Service r~j Surface Transportation [J] Professional Services 2 

j | Other (explain below) 

2. FINANCIA L TOOL S T O B E USED : (CHEC K AL L THAT APPLY ) 

| | Marketing (including Advertising): promotion of the air service to the public 

J~/j Start-up Cost Offset: offsetting expenses to assist an air service provider in setting up a 

new station and starting new service (for example, ticket counter reconfiguration) 

^ | Revenue Guarantee: an agreement with an air service provider setting forth a minimum 

guaranteed profit margin, a portion of which is eligible for reimbursement by the 

community 

[/j Recruitment of Air Carrier: air service development activities to recruit new air service, 

including expenses for airport marketers to meet with air service providers to make the 

case for new air service 

[ | Fee Waivers: waiver of airport fees, such as landing fees, to encourage new air service; 

counted as in-kind contributions only 

| | Ground Handling Fee: reimbursement of expenses for passenger, cabin, and ramp (below 

wing) services provided by third party ground handlers 

j j Travel Bank: travel pledges, or deposited monetary funds, from participating parties for 

the purchase of air travel on an air carrier, with defined procedures for the subsequent use 

ofthe pledges or the deposited funds; counted as in-kind contributions only 

1

 "Professional Services" involve a community contracting with a firm to produce a product such as a marketing 

plan, study, air carrier proposal, etc. 
LJ Other (explain below) 

H . EXISTIN G LANDIN G AID S AT LOCA L AIRPORT : 

[71 Full ILS [/ ] Outer/Middle Marker [7] Published Instrument Approach 

~/\ Localizer Q Other (specify) 

I . PROJEC T COST : D O NOT ENTE R TEX T IN SHADED ARE A Enter Y or N 

LIN E DESCRIPTIO N S U B TOTA L TOTA L AMOUN T 

1 Federal amount requested 500,00 0 

2 State cash financial contribution 0 

Local cash financial contribution 

3a Airport cash funds 0 

3b Non-airport cash funds 125,000 

3 Total local cash funds (3a + 3b) 125P00 

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1+2+3) 625,00 0 

In-Kind contribution 

5a Airport In-Kind contribution** 0 

5b Other In-Kind contribution** 0 

5 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION 

(5a + 5b) 0 

6 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4+5) 625,00 0 

J . IN-KIN D CONTRIBUTIONS* * 

For funds in lines 5a (Airport In-Kind contribution) and 5b (Other In-Kind contribution), please 

describe the source(s) of fiind(s) and the value ($) of each. 
K . Is THI S APPLICATIO N SUBJEC T T O REVIE W B Y AN AFFECTE D STAT E UNDE R EXECUTIV E 

ORDE R 12372 PROCESS ? 

| | a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 

Process for review on (date) . 

I I b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372, but has not been selected by the State for review. 

|71 c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372. 

L . Is TH E LEA D APPLICAN T OR AN Y CO-APPLICANT S DELINQUEN T O N AN Y FEDERA L DEBT ? 

( I F "YES" , PROVID E EXPLANATION ) 

/ No Yes (explain) 

APPLICATIO N CHECKLIS T 

INCLUDED? ITE M 

Enter Y or N For Immediate Action 

Y Determine Eligibility 

Y New Grants.gov users must register with www.grants.eov. 

Existing Grants.gov users must verify existine www.srants.sov account has not expired 

and the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is current. 

For Submission bv 5:00 PM EDT on July 31, 2014 

N 

Communities with active SCASDP grants: notify DOT/X50 of intent to terminate 

existing grant in order to be eligible for selection in FY2014 

Y Complete Application for Federal Domestic Assistance (SF424) via www.erants.gov 

Y Summary Information schedule complete and used as cover sheet (see Appendix B ) 

Y 

Application of up to 20 one-sided pages (excluding any letters from the 

community or an air carrier showing support for the application), to include: 

Y • A description ofthe community's air service needs or deficiencies. 

Y A strategic plan for meeting those needs under the Small Community Program. 

Y 

• A detailed description of the funding necessary for implementation of the 

community's project. 

N 

An explanation of how the proposed project differs from any previous projects 

for which the community received SCASDP funds (if applicable). 

Y Designation of a legal sponsor responsible for administering the program. 

N A motion for confidential treatment (if applicable) - see Appendix D below. 
Grant Proposal Under The

Small Community Air Service 

Development Program

For

Montrose Regional Airport

Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113

DUNS #076471077

Colorado Congressional District #3
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 2

Table of Contents

1. Technical Details of Proposal ..............................................................3

Contact Information...................................................................................................... 3

Legal Sponsor of Proposal........................................................................................... 3

Community Partner...................................................................................................... 3

Statement of Air Service Deficiency............................................................................. 3

Proposal Meets Priority Selection Criteria for Grant Award.......................................... 5

Overview of Grant Request.......................................................................................... 6

2. MTJ Service Area and Air Service Deficiency.....................................8

Geographic Location & Market Population................................................................... 8

Top 15 MTJ O&D Markets Fare Comparison............................................................... 9

MTJ and Bay Area Traffic: A Proven Market.............................................................. 10

Loss of MTJ-OAK Nonstop Creates Economic Impact Void for Community .............. 11

3. Grant Implementation Plan ................................................................13

Funding and Distribution Sources .............................................................................. 13

Risk Abatement Terms............................................................................................... 13

Marketing the New Service ........................................................................................ 14

Plan for Self Sufficiency ............................................................................................. 15
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 3

1. Technical Details of Proposal

Contact Information

All correspondence regarding this proposal should be referred to:

Lloyd D. Arnold, C.M.

Director of Aviation

Montrose Regional Airport

2100 Airport Road

Montrose, Colorado 81401

970-249-3433

larnold@montrosecounty.net

Legal Sponsor of Proposal

The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the legal sponsor of this grant proposal.

Community Partner

Colorado Flights Alliance joins the Montrose Regional Airport in its support for this grant 

proposal and is the community partner responsible for the matching portion of the grant 

funding. The mission of Colorado Flights Alliance is to lead economic development on 

Colorado’s western slope through air service. 

Statement of Air Service Deficiency

The Montrose Regional Airport serves as the primary airport for a large portion of the 

western slope of Colorado. Being a geographically isolated region, the airport serves as 

a critical economic engine that the community relies on not only for outbound air 

service, but also for inbound tourists which come to the area to ski and enjoy other 

outdoor recreational opportunities. Tourism is a top industry in the region, and reliable 

scheduled air service is crucial to the economic health of the overall region. 
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 4

Montrose is approximately a five hour drive to/from Denver International Airport and a 

six hour drive to/from Albuquerque International Sunport. The sheer isolation of the 

community underscores the necessity of scheduled air service, and this grant request 

epitomizes the spirit and intent of the Small Community Air Service Development 

Program.

Unfortunately, scheduled air service at Montrose Regional Airport has suffered over the 

last several years due to airline consolidation and the changing dynamics of the US 

aviation industry. Scheduled departures between CY 2009 and CY 2014 have 

decreased by 28%, leaving fewer options for travelers to get to/from the greater 

Montrose region, thus having a significant negative economic impact on the community. 

MTJ Scheduled Departure Comparison

CY 2014 vs. CY 2009

In addition to the decreasing level of scheduled departures at MTJ, an additional 

deficiency exists in terms of fare levels compared to similar sized regional airports on 

the western slope of Colorado. Montrose Regional Airport’s one way average gross 

Carrier Market CY 2014 CY 2009 Change % Change

American 188 202 (14) -6.9%

DFW 188 186 2 1.1%

ORD 16 (16) -100.0%

Delta 35 242 (207) -85.5%

ATL 35 53 (18) -34.0%

SLC 189 (189) -100.0%

Allegiant 62 62

AZA 31 31

LAX 31 31

United 1,551 2,105 (554) -15.6%

DEN 1,244 1,696 (452) -26.7%

EWR 14 20 (6) -30.0%

IAH 139 247 (108) -43.7%

LAX 29 30 (1) -3.3%

ORD 125 112 13 11.6%

1,836 2,549 (713) -28.0%

Scheduled Departures

Total
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 5

fares during CY 2013 were approximately 29% higher than Durango-La Plata County 

Airport (DRO) and 17% higher than Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT). In addition 

to these major fare discrepancies with regional airports, Montrose Regional Airport’s 

fares were approximately 42% higher than the National Average gross one way fare.

MTJ Fare Comparison with Western Slope Airports

and the National Average

CY 2013

Proposal Meets Priority Selection Criteria for Grant Award

The Montrose community believes it suffers from air service deficiencies in the areas of 

limited air service access and demonstrable higher fares than other regional airports. 

This grant application meets and exceeds the selection criteria put forth by the 

Department of Transportation in Docket DOT-OST-2014-0113. 

 As previously stated, airfares at MTJ are higher than other regional airports in 

addition to being higher than the national average for all communities

 The community partner, Colorado Flights Alliance, will match the DOT grant 

request by 25% of the total with a cash contribution. No portion of the cost of the 

proposed project will come from airport revenues.

 A public-private partnership has been established between the airport and 

Colorado Flights Alliance, whereby the facilitation of the air carrier service to the 

public will be accomplished by Colorado Flights Alliance

MTJ DRO GJT National 

Average

CY 2013 Average 

One Way Gross Fare $320.91 $248.84 $274.11 $226.64

MTJ % Higher - 29.0% 17.1% 41.6%
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 6

 The new air service will provide material benefits to a broad segment of the 

traveling public, including outbound passengers and inbound tourism driven 

passengers. Both business and leisure travelers alike will greatly benefit from the 

proposed project.

 The assistance will be used in a timely manner. It is fully expected that should a 

grant be awarded to the Montrose community that it will be utilized expeditiously.

 This grant application benefits several communities and the larger economic 

region, including Montrose City and County, Ouray City and County, and the 

resort town of Telluride where commercial air service will be lost at the local 

airport (TEX) as of September 16, 2014, due to operational challenges.

Overview of Grant Request

One specific area that the airport and the community have identified as an air service 

deficiency is a lack of western US access to the national transportation system. As the 

map of CY 2014 scheduled service below indicates, the western US is lacking in access 

to/from Montrose Regional Airport.
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 7

The community’s grant request is for $500,000 in funding for revenue guarantee 

purposes to attract western US air service access, with a specific emphasis on the San 

Francisco Bay Area. The grant request will be matched by Colorado Flights Alliance 

with $125,000 in cash, for a total of $625,000. In addition to the revenue guarantee, a 

specifically targeted marketing and advertising campaign will be launched to promote 

this service. It is envisioned that this proposed service will be seasonal, as winter 

season is the peak of traffic at Montrose Regional Airport.
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 8

2. MTJ Service Area and Air Service Deficiency

Geographic Location & Market Population

Montrose Regional Airport is the main gateway to the Colorado western slope, and 

serves a resident population of over 70,000. In addition to agriculture, the region is a 

major recreational destination, and a large resort industry is dependent on Montrose 

Regional Airport for access to and from the rest of the nation and the globe.

The local population base is located along the north/south US 50/550 corridor, bordered 

by Delta, Colorado in the north, and Ouray/Red Mountain Pass to the south. In addition 

to agriculture and recreational tourism, the region has been attracting interest of light 

manufacturing industries. The additional air service, which this grant request can 
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 9

deliver, will be an enormous boost to the competitiveness of Colorado’s western slope 

within the global economy.

Top 15 MTJ O&D Markets Fare Comparison 

As has already been outlined, Montrose Regional Airport endures significantly higher 

fares than other regional airports on a total market level. However, a look at the top 15 

MTJ markets during CY 2013 and comparing them to DRO and GJT reveals an even 

deeper, more pronounced chasm in fare levels for the most popular markets.

MTJ Top 15 O&D Markets Fare Comparison

with DRO and GJT

CY 2013

A view of the top 15 markets indicates that MTJ is at a significant disadvantage when 

compared to the other regional airports. San Francisco, which this grant proposal aims 

to gain access to, is the #11 O&D market at MTJ during CY 2013, indicating that there 

is significant demand for Bay Area traffic even in the absence of nonstop flights 

between MTJ and SFO during CY 2013. Clearly, the fare differential is great enough for 

Market MTJ DRO GJT

MTJ % 

Higher/Lower 

vs. DRO

MTJ % 

Higher/Lower 

vs. GJT

IAH $344.06 $239.48 $330.99 43.7% 3.9%

DFW $313.39 $236.05 $278.74 32.8% 12.4%

ORD $332.54 $242.43 $277.86 37.2% 19.7%

LGA $421.93 $280.55 $310.04 50.4% 36.1%

EWR $470.01 $285.17 $307.89 64.8% 52.7%

DEN $284.96 $176.40 $347.50 61.5% -18.0%

ATL $294.59 $239.31 $288.99 23.1% 1.9%

LAX $307.15 $241.83 $129.70 27.0% 136.8%

BOS $365.29 $335.69 $309.54 8.8% 18.0%

AUS $291.65 $205.74 $220.15 41.8% 32.5%

SFO $348.95 $258.78 $271.59 34.8% 28.5%

IAD $367.25 $270.02 $298.21 36.0% 23.2%

PHL $370.98 $239.23 $330.29 55.1% 12.3%

MCO $343.76 $267.12 $295.98 28.7% 16.1%

TPA $339.20 $287.13 $282.67 18.1% 20.0%
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 10

both inbound and outbound passengers to consider alternative airports in the region for 

their travels. A Small Community Air Service Development Program grant award will 

help recapture a portion of the passengers. Furthermore, a grant award would bring a 

new nonstop destination and potentially fare discipline into the MTJ market.

MTJ and Bay Area Traffic: A Proven Market

During the first quarter of CY 2013, Allegiant Air flew nonstops between OAK and MTJ 

in order to connect the Colorado resort destination with a highly populated area with a 

community of interest with the greater Montrose region. When combining both Bay Area 

airports during CY 2013 (OAK and SFO), the combined region was the #4 O&D market 

at MTJ. 

Top 5 MTJ O&D Markets

CY 2013

The strong community of interest between the Bay Area and greater Montrose region is 

evident, however, Allegiant discontinued its MTJ-OAK nonstops in CY 2014, leaving 

Bay Area travelers to either connect circuitously, choose an alternative airport for their 

travels, or not fly at all. A Small Community Air Service Development Program grant 

award would help regain the Bay Area service, which has already demonstrated that it 

is a viable market.

OAK: 4,858

SFO: 3,779 

Rank Market Psgr PDEW

1 IAH 12,534 17.2

2 DFW 10,285 14.1

3 ORD 8,855 12.1

4 Bay Area 8,637 11.8

5 LGA 8,121 11.1
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 11

Loss of MTJ-OAK Nonstop Creates Economic Impact Void for Community

The loss of the nonstop flight between Montrose Regional Airport and Oakland 

International Airport has had a negative economic impact for the greater Montrose 

community. This was clearly illustrated during the winter season (Dec 2013 – March 

2014) at MTJ, where the lack of nonstop OAK service had an estimated lost economic 

impact of over $8.5 million. This is based on inbound visitors and their spending on 

lodging, food and beverage, ski lift tickets, retail, and other recreational activities.1

For a community which relies heavily on the tourism industry for economic vibrancy, the 

loss of $8.5 million in economic impact has significant implications on the residents and 

businesses in the western slope of Colorado. With the aid of a Small Community Air 

 

1 An economic multiplier of 3x is used to measure the total economic impact of each dollar as it circulates through 

the local economy

Total 2012-2013 OAK Travelers 5,612

Total Round Trip Travelers 2,806

Total Outbound Locals 1,347

Total Inbound Guests 1,459

Guest Spending Per Person Total

Total Lodging $656 $957,183

Total Lift Tickets/Ski School $436 $636,176

Total Food and Beverage $414 $604,076

Total Retail $225 $328,302

Other Activities/Recreation/Entertainment $229 $334,138

Total Direct Spending (per person, per trip avg.) $1,960 $2,859,875

Total Economic Impact (Economic Multiplier = 3x) $8,579,625

Economic Impact Winter 2014: Loss of OAK Nonstops

MTJ Travelers

Guest Spending
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 12

Service Development Program grant award, this economic impact can be reignited 

through the installation of Bay Area nonstops for the upcoming winter season. 

Additionally, Montrose County has an unemployment rate that is higher than the 

national average, and by extension any loss of air service or economic drivers has a 

more acute impact on the community than it does on most communities in the United 

States. As of April 2014, Montrose County’s unemployment rate was 7.9% vs. the 

United States unemployment rate of 6.3%. A grant award to attract additional air service 

will aid a community that has seen a slower recovery from the Great Recession than the 

rest of the country. 
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 13

3. Grant Implementation Plan

Funding and Distribution Sources

As previously mentioned, Montrose Regional Airport is joined by Colorado Flights 

Alliance as its community partner in this grant application. It is proposed that the funding 

for new service is split between revenue guarantee and marketing/advertising, with the 

majority of the funding going towards the revenue guarantee portion.

Risk Abatement Terms

Montrose Regional Airport proposes to implement a risk abatement program with the 

following terms:

 Funding would be available to an airline providing nonstop service to a hub in the 

San Francisco Bay Area, including SFO and OAK.

 Upon award of grant funds, Montrose Regional Airport and its community partner

will negotiate with prospective airlines. The best service proposal will be 

identified and a risk mitigation agreement between Montrose Regional Airport 

and the carrier will be negotiated.

 Montrose Regional Airport will negotiate a detailed service agreement with the 

carrier that is consistent with DOT guidelines for grant fund use.

 Category SCASD 

Grant

Community 

Funds

TOTAL

Revenue Guarantee $400,000 $75,000 $475,000

Marketing Plan Support $100,000 $50,000 $150,000

TOTAL $500,000 $125,000 $625,000
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 14

 The costs of operating the new service will be defined in discussions with the 

selected carrier and outlined in a contractual manner. Industry cost data for 

appropriate aircraft type and stage length will help guide the airport in these 

discussions.

 A target for overall revenue associated with the new service and the component 

of that revenue that will be credited to the new route will be agreed upon, and a 

targeted revenue figure per flight will be established.

 Montrose Regional Airport will monitor traffic and revenue reports for the new 

service, which will be provided by the selected carrier.

 Any revenue shortfall will be offset with risk mitigation funds upon detailed 

invoice from the selected carrier. Montrose Regional Airport, in turn, will invoice 

the DOT for its share of funding in the agreed upon manner.

Marketing the New Service

Marketing and advertising will be critical to the success of the new service, and MTJ 

and its community partner are prepared to work tirelessly to increase awareness in 

specifically targeted markets. Components of the program will include the following:

 Local print media advertising illuminating the new service. 

 Electronic and social media initiatives.

 A series of presentations at key civic organizations.

 Public relations events and outreach

 Consumer events
 Proposal under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

 Docket DOT – OST – 2014 – 0113 15

Plan for Self Sufficiency

MTJ understands that there can be factors that will adversely affect ridership on a new 

route. Therefore, it will be in close liaison with the airline to quickly identify any reduction 

in traffic and/or revenue growth on the new service.

1) MTJ and Colorado Flights Alliance have an extensive background in recruiting 

seasonal service and taking quick action when indicated to assure success.

2) This program is, at its foundation, a partnership with the airline. The Airport and 

Community will work to identify any areas or dynamics which can enhance ridership, 

and will be in on-going contact with the carrier.

3) In this regard, MTJ and Colorado Flights Alliance have access to local, regional and 

airline industry data and business intelligence. This includes sophisticated programs 

that track passengers by market, zip code and travel segment.

These will be used to support the carrier and provide input regarding matters such 

as scheduling shifts. Importantly, this new service will be operated with airliners 

capable of moving travel groups and their sports equipment. Colorado Flights 

Alliance will assure that this portion of the travelling public is attracted to the new 

service.

July 25, 2014

Brooke Chapman

Associate Director

Small Community Air Service Department

Office of Aviation Analysis

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Room W86-307

Dear Ms. Chapman,

On behalf of the town of Telluride, I am writing in support of the Small Community Air Service Grant 

application that has been submitted by the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ).

The purpose of the airport’s application is to address air service deficiencies and increase access to the 

national transportation system for the region. As a community that is heavily reliant on the tourism 

industry, air service is critical to the overall health of the region. Specifically, the San Francisco Bay Area 

would be an outstanding addition to the air service offered at MTJ. There is a strong community of interest 

between the two regions, and the service would generate a significant economic impact.

We urge the Department of Transportation to give the Montrose Regional Airport’s application favorable 

consideration. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Stuart Fraser

Mayor

Town of Telluride
July 30,2014

Ms. Brooke Chapman, Associate Director

Small Community Air Service Development Program

U.S. Department of Transportation

8th Floor, Room W86-307

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,

Washington D.C. 20590

Dear Ms. Chapman:

On behalf of the Montrose County Commissioners I want to express our County's unwavering

support for the 2014 Small Community Air Service Development Grant proposal. Our

organization realizes the benefit and importance of decreasing the higher than average airfares

into our region and increasing access to the east coast.

Increasing and expanding service will have a significant impact on stimulating our regional

economy. This grant opportunity will provide additional resources to support our continuing

efforts to provide a national and international conduit to the Western Region of Colorado.

We are committed to the economic diversification of our region and expanding air service

provides the economic impact that allows us to execute our diversification efforts. Our airport

receives overwhelming community and regional support to mature our air service program and

your support will strengthen our ability to that end.

Thank you very much for your consideration of our grant submission, we truly appreciate it.

DWlda

Cc: Ron Henderson, BOCC Vice Chairman

Gary J. Ellis, Commissioner

Ken Norris, Interim County Manager

161 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401

David S. White

BOCC Chairman

r Telephone: 97 0-249-77 55 F ax: 970-249-77 6l

tsr.18a3