RTA looks to secure summer air service

Asks community for letters of support

The Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) decided in its July meeting to apply for a federal grant for $350,000 to aid in securing summer air service between the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport and either Dallas or Houston.

“We’re seeing a notable increase in summer visitors,” said RTA Executive Director Scott Truex. “By developing a summer air service program, we would help to insure reliable access and transportation within the valley.”
Truex said the grant, which requires matching funds and would be viable for two years, will be submitted through the county and has a deadline in about two weeks.
“If we received the funds we will need to negotiate with the airlines to determine appropriate service that is within budget,” he added.
The RTA should know if the grant application is successful by early fall. If approved a summer service option could be in effect by next summer.
Currently, the RTA is asking the public to show its support for summer air service by writing a letter in support of the program.
“In order to secure the grant, we need to show substantial support for this effort,” said Truex. “Our consultant has said that the letters of support from the public really matter and the more we can get, the better our chances to be awarded the grant.  Ideally, we will be able to submit hundreds of letters of support with the application next week.”
For more information on how to submit a letter, contact Scott Truex at the RTA at [email protected].