Colorado Aeronautical Board Approves $9 Million in State Airport Funding
Watkins – The Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB) approved more than $9 million in State and Local Colorado Discretionary Aviation Grant (CDAG) funding to support aviation infrastructure improvements at airports across the state during its Jan. 27, 2026 meeting.
The first round of 2026 CDAG awards will provide $9,064,332 in state funding to 20 Colorado airports, leveraging an additional $3.5 million in local matching funds. Combined, these investments will support $12.6 million in critical aviation projects statewide.
Funded projects focus on maintaining and improving airport safety, reliability and operational efficiency. Grant awards include investments in pavement maintenance, airfield snow removal and maintenance equipment, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) equipment and facilities, airfield lighting and navigational aids, unleaded aviation fuel infrastructure and other essential airport improvements
A comprehensive listing of each airport grant can be found here.
Project funding by category includes:
- Pavement Maintenance: $3.6 million
- Airfield Snow Removal, Maintenance, ARFF Equipment & Storage: $2.9 million
- Airfield Lighting, Navigation Aids and Weather Systems: $795,375
- Aviation Fuel Infrastructure and Unleaded Fuel Projects: $492,300
- Airfield Pavement Construction and Rehabilitation: $475,000
- Other Airport Improvements: $700,000
“These grants help ensure Colorado’s airports remain safe, reliable, and economically viable,” said Todd Green, Deputy Director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics. “Strategic investments at the local level strengthen the statewide aviation system and support communities across Colorado.”
“Colorado’s regional airports play a critical role in our local and rural economies, supporting business and tourism. Investments into safe infrastructure ensure that our airports are safe for travelers, equipped for weather conditions and operable to help Coloradans and visitors alike utilize airports across the state for years to come,” said Gov. Jared Polis.
The approved State and Local Grant Program advances the goals of the 2020 Colorado Aviation System Plan, which emphasizes safety and efficiency, access and mobility, and economic and system sustainability.
In addition to the funding approved this month, the Division anticipates presenting the Federal Match Grant Program for Colorado Aeronautical Board consideration in April 2026. That program is expected to provide approximately $7 million in additional state funding, bringing total anticipated aviation grant investments for 2026 to nearly $16 million.
Colorado legislation was created in 1991 to develop and maintain the Colorado Aviation System through taxes collected on aviation fuel sold within the state. There are no general funds used to meet the needs within the Colorado Aviation System. The Colorado Aviation System is funded solely through the taxes collected by those actually using the aviation system.
The Colorado Airport System consists of 76 public-use airports that support over 348,500 jobs, provide $23.5 billion in annual payroll, $40.3 billion in value-added, and $68.9 billion in total annual business revenue for the State of Colorado.
More information can be found at Colorado-Aeronautics.org.
About the Division of Aeronautics
Under the Direction of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics supports Colorado's multi-modal transportation system by advancing a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment and advocacy. In partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, 76 public-use airports and a diverse group of aviation system users, the Division also works to promote aviation safety and education through the efficient administration of the Colorado Aviation Fund. For more information, visit Colorado-Aeronautics.org or check us out on YouTube, like us on Facebook and follow us on X and Instagram.
