Gov. John Hickenlooper on Monday stopped at the Durango-La Plata County Airport to sign Senate Bill 16-168 into law, allowing counties and municipalities to enter into authorities with jurisdictions in other states.
“We recognize the importance of strengthening the partnership between New Mexico and these communities,” Hickenlooper said in a news release. “This type of collaboration supports area businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
New Mexico allows jurisdictions to partner across state lines.
The city of Durango and La Plata County jointly own and operate the Durango-La Plata County Airport – the fifth-busiest airport in Colorado, with nearly 400,000 travelers flying in or out each year. It serves customers from an eight-county region, and more than 24 percent of the passengers are from San Juan County, New Mexico.
“La Plata County requested this legislation to open the door for cooperation with our New Mexico neighbors for long-term sustainability of the Durango-La Plata County Airport,” Commissioner Julie Westendorff said in the release. “A common request we have heard from La Plata County residents is to make sure that users of the airport help pay for the airport. This bill will allow us to collaborate with our neighbors in New Mexico for funding opportunities to address our shared needs for the good, reliable air service so critical to our local economies.”
Durango Mayor Christina Rinderle said the airport is a regional economic driver.
“It supports our residents, serves our visitors and fosters a thriving business community. We are excited about the opportunity to work together to strengthen our economic base for the airport.”
State Sen. Ellen Roberts and state Rep. J. Paul Brown carried the bill, which was passed unanimously in the Senate and 63-1 in the House.
