Y a m p a V a l l e y A i r p o r t C o m m i s s i o n
June 18, 2026
Meeting Minutes
The regular meeting of the Yampa Valley Airport Commission (YVAC) was called to
order at 6:01 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in the Yampa Valley Regional Airport
(Hayden) Conference Room, Hayden, CO, as well as via Microsoft Teams.
YVAC Members present:
Tim Redmond – Routt County Commissioner, Chair
Michael Buccino – Steamboat Springs City Council
Janet Fischer – Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp
Keith Hensley – Routt County Business
Steve Birch – Routt County Aviation
Traver Farmer – Routt County Aviation
Nolene Powers – Routt County Resident
YVAC Members absent:
Amy Dickson – Steamboat Springs City Council, Alternate
Elaine Hicks – Hayden Town Council
Chris Nichols – Craig City Council, Alternate
Katie Brown – Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp., Alternate
Ryan Banks – Hayden Town Council, Alternate
Randy Looper – Craig City Council
Others Present:
Tinneal Gerber – Airport Director, YVRA
Josh Schroeder – Airport Manager, SBS
Matt Holly – Atlantic Aviation
Jesse Erickson – Woolpert, Project Manager
Jared Fox – Desert Jet
Jordan Weins – Wiens Capital Management LLC
Jeremy Lee – Mead & Hunt, Project Manager
Iver Retrum – BA Group
1.ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
I.Approval of Minutes – April 9, 2026
MOTION
Commissioner Buccino moved to accept April 9, 2026, meeting minutes as presented;
Commissioner Birch seconded. The motion carried unanimously
2.NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
3.COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMEBERS
Commissioner Hensley thanked YVRA Director Gerber for organizing the successful
groundbreaking event and the airport tour for YVAC Board members that followed.
Gerber noted that any board members who were unable to attend the tour are
welcome to contact her to arrange a visit to the airport at a convenient time.
Commissioner Birch reported that he had contacted the National Business Aviation
Association (NBAA) legislative liaison regarding the ground delay program.
Although NBAA was aware of the issue, Birch said its understanding of the impacts
was limited. He is working to educate the organization on the effects of the program,
particularly the delays experienced by general aviation and business aviation
operators. NBAA indicated it would apply pressure through its legislative and
advocacy channels and leverage its contacts in Washington, D.C., to help address the
issue. Birch stated that he would continue pursuing this effort on behalf of the airport
and its stakeholders.
Commissioner Redmond thanked Birch for the update and invited additional
comments. Hearing none, the group concluded the discussion and proceeded to the
business portion of the meeting, beginning with an airport infrastructure update from
Josh.
4.NEW BUSINESS
I.Airport / Capital / Infrastructure / Budget Update – Josh Schroeder
SBS Manager, Josh Schroder thanked YVRA Director Gerber for hosting the YVAC
meeting, noting that it was originally Steamboat's turn to host but that he is awaiting
the birth of his child and appreciated Gerber stepping in. He then provided an airport
infrastructure update.
Manager Schroder reported that the airport's runway and taxiway lighting and signage
replacement project remains scheduled for 2026. Bid opening occurred that afternoon,
with proposals received from two companies. Both bids were slightly over budget but
generally aligned with project cost estimates. Staff are reviewing the bids and expect
to request supplemental funding, likely less than $50,000, while also seeking
additional support from the FAA and the state. Manager Schroder said the goal
remains to complete the project in 2026, though the timeline for grant approvals and
contracting may push construction into late summer or require a delay until the
following spring.
Manager Schroder reviewed available project funding, including federal entitlement
funds, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding, and discretionary funding. He
noted that this is the airport's final round of BIL funding and that total available
funding is approximately $1.36 million, which is close to current bid amounts.
He also updated the committee on the terminal area improvement project, which
began in May and remains underway. Several design and quantity discrepancies were
identified during construction, requiring modifications to the plans. While the
changes have caused minor delays, the project is expected to be completed
approximately one week later than originally planned. Manager Schroder added that
the airport parking lot project is being coordinated with the city's paving program to
maximize efficiency and align with other street improvement projects.
Regarding revenue-generating initiatives, Manager Schroder reported continued
progress with Amazon's proposed shipping facility at the airport. The project is
currently working through final planning and permitting details with the city. If
approved, the proposed agreement would generate approximately $4,800 per month
in revenue over the next two years. The project will be returned to City Council for
approval before a license agreement is finalized.
Manager Schroder also provided an update on efforts to lease vacant space in the
terminal building. Moving Mountains has expressed strong interest in leasing a
significant portion of the available space. While some areas would remain available
for future tenants, city representatives continue to market those spaces with a
preference for aviation-related businesses. Discussions with Moving Mountains are
ongoing to address space configuration and partitioning requirements before
finalizing an agreement.
Manager Schroder reported a recent safety incident involving a Beechcraft Bonanza
that experienced landing gear issues and completed a wheels-up landing. There were
no injuries, and damage was limited to the aircraft. He commended airport staff and
emergency responders for their quick and professional response to the incident.
During discussion, Commissioner Redmond asked how the proposed Amazon site
would affect future hangar development plans. Manager Schroder explained that the
property remains designated for future hangar development in the airport master plan
and that the agreement could be terminated if development opportunities arise. He
noted that additional planning work, utility relocation, and fence realignment would
be required before future hangar construction could occur.
Commissioner Redmond asked about the cost of tenant improvements associated with
the proposed Moving Mountains lease. Manager Schroder explained that under the
existing Honey Stinger agreement, the tenant would construct the partition wall and
the city would reimburse costs up to an agreed amount. He noted that the city would
ultimately bear the cost of the partition improvements.
Additional discussion focused on airport finances and revenue generation. Airport
representatives noted that while rental income and fuel sales have increased, the
airport continues to operate at a deficit. Manager Schroder stated that proposed lease
rates for new tenants are significantly higher than existing rates and would help
improve the airport's financial position. While the additional revenue would not fully
eliminate the deficit, he said it would represent a meaningful step toward greater
financial sustainability.
II.Airport / Capital / Infrastructure / Budget Update – Tinneal Gerber
YVRA Director, Tinneal Gerber provided an update on airport projects and
operations, noting that activity levels remain high across multiple initiatives. She
reported that the airport's new aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) truck is on site
and has successfully completed testing related to a downshifting issue. Staff are
finalizing standard operating procedures and training before placing the vehicle into
full service.
Director Gerber thanked attendees for participating in the terminal expansion
groundbreaking event and reported that construction continues to progress as planned.
Current work includes development of procedures for transitioning to a temporary
outbound baggage system, which is expected to occur during the week of June 29.
The project also includes relocating the airport's backup generator and fire pump
generator to a new location outside the terminal. The work is scheduled for July 13
and 14 and will require overnight power outages within the terminal. Director Gerber
said staff are coordinating closely to ensure critical systems remain protected and
operational throughout the transition.
She reported that preparations are underway for the demolition of Hangar 1, which is
expected to begin in August. Tenants have been notified and are expected to vacate
by July 31. Following demolition, the concrete pad will remain in place and be used
temporarily for ground support equipment storage. The structural steel from the
building will be salvaged for potential future use in a landside maintenance facility.
Director Gerber also announced that the airport's congressional district spending
request has advanced through Senator Bennet's appropriations process. If awarded,
approximately $3 million in funding would support design of Phase II of the terminal
expansion project. Additional updates will be provided as the process continues.
Updates were also provided on several infrastructure projects. The airport is preparing
bid documents for the purchase of two snowplow trucks through a CDOT-funded
program. Director Gerber reported that the Economic Development Administration
(EDA) approved revisions to the scope of the Aviation Business Park project,
allowing the airport to continue advancing engineering and bid preparation. The
airport plans to bid the project this fall with construction anticipated to begin in the
spring. In conjunction with that development, the airport also plans to install
additional fiber infrastructure to improve connectivity and provide future system
redundancy on the south side of the airfield.
Director Gerber reported that passenger enplanements continue to improve.
Preliminary data for May showed an increase of approximately 1,300 passengers
compared to the previous year, putting the airport on pace to finish at or above year-
over-year passenger levels despite winter service reductions.
She also updated the committee on the ongoing Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
case involving Steamboat Express. The administrative law judge ruled in favor of
Steamboat Express regarding its right to operate at the airport. The airport submitted
exceptions to the ruling by the established deadline and is awaiting further action
from the PUC. Director Gerber noted that several Colorado airports, including
Denver International Airport, Eagle County Regional Airport, Grand Junction
Regional Airport, and Montrose Regional Airport, have submitted letters supporting
the airport's position due to the broader implications the ruling could have on airport
contract enforcement and operations. If the airport receives an unfavorable ruling,
additional appeals through the PUC or judicial review in district court may be
considered.
During discussion, committee members expressed concerns about the precedent the
ruling could establish and its impact on airport operators throughout Colorado.
Director Gerber noted that Steamboat Express currently operates only in the
Montrose region and that other transportation providers continue to face barriers to
expanding service under existing PUC regulations. Commissioner Birch suggested
continued support for alternative transportation providers seeking expanded authority
to operate.
Director Gerber then provided a staffing update, reporting two current vacancies:
Airport Accounting Supervisor and Janitor. She also welcomed Colin Walt back as
Operations, Safety, and Security Superintendent.
Looking ahead, Director Gerber announced that the airport's full-scale emergency
exercise is scheduled for August 26 and invited committee members to participate as
volunteers. She also reported receiving a formal response from the FAA regarding
concerns about the Ground Delay Program (GDP). While the response largely
reiterated previous positions, the FAA indicated a willingness to continue discussions.
Director Gerber plans to pursue additional meetings with FAA representatives and
industry experts to further address the issue. Commissioner Farmer expressed interest
in participating in future discussions with the FAA.
Director Gerber concluded her report by summarizing attendance at the recent
Colorado Airport Operators Association conference in Pueblo, where airport
representatives met with engineers, architects, legal counsel, and insurance
consultants. She noted that the airport is currently undergoing a comprehensive
insurance audit led by a former Denver International Airport risk manager to evaluate
coverage levels and costs.
In response to questions regarding the planned terminal power outages, Director
Gerber confirmed that runway lighting and airfield operations will not be affected
because they operate on separate electrical systems. Backup generators, temporary
lighting, and fire watch personnel will be in place to ensure passenger safety and
operational continuity throughout the work. Hearing no further questions, the
committee concluded the discussion.
III.Air Service Update – Janet Fischer
Janet Fischer, Steamboat Resort Director Airline Programs provided an air service
update beginning with revised winter season results. The airport finished the winter
season with approximately 225,000 arriving seats, representing a 2.3% increase in
capacity over the prior year. Arriving passengers totaled approximately 154,000,
down about 5% from the previous winter's 162,000 passengers. The overall winter
load factor was 69%, compared to 74% the previous season.
Commissioner Fischer reported that the total cap under the airline contract program
was $3.84 million, while actual expenditures totaled $3.62 million, finishing
approximately $212,000 under cap, or about 6% below the maximum exposure.
Payments to participating airlines have been completed, and the invoicing process is
underway with the Local Marketing District (LMD) for its two-thirds share of the
contracted costs.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Fischer estimated a 12% increase in seats during the
spring, summer, and fall period from mid-April through November. While load
factors are expected to remain generally consistent, the increased capacity is resulting
in higher passenger volumes. Strong demand continues to be observed on Denver-
Hayden flights.
Commissioner Fischer reported that planning for the 2026-27 winter season is well
underway. Many airline schedules have already been loaded and are available for
sale. Discussions continue regarding aircraft types, frequency adjustments, operating
dates, flight times, and contract costs. Meetings have been held with all six airline
partners, including United, American, Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, and Alaska.
Southwest Airlines has extended its published winter schedule through March 5.
Additionally, the carrier plans to expand its Austin service, increasing from four
nonstop round trips in March during the previous season to twenty round trips next
winter. Commissioner Fischer noted that Southwest views Austin as a growth market
and is interested in further development of the route.
United Airlines has loaded schedules for all seven of its domestic hub markets
serving Hayden, including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San
Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Houston service will transition from primarily
regional aircraft to mainline service for the full winter season. Potential additional
frequencies to Newark, Washington Dulles, and San Francisco were evaluated but are
not currently considered cost-effective.
Alaska Airlines has loaded its Seattle and San Diego services and continues
discussions regarding a potential new nonstop destination. American Airlines will
operate Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago service consistent with the prior season. Delta
has loaded Atlanta service and will soon load Minneapolis service with a schedule
identical to last year, including daily holiday service and Wednesday/Saturday
operations during other periods. Conversations with JetBlue regarding continuation of
service remain positive, and both parties have expressed interest in maintaining
flights.
Commissioner Fischer noted that despite a low-snow winter and softer performance
across mountain destinations, Hayden generally performed better than many
competing mountain airports from an airline perspective. While most carriers
experienced modest declines in load factors and passenger revenue, interest in serving
the market remains strong.
Discussion followed regarding minimum revenue guarantees (MRGs). Commissioner
Fischer explained that MRGs continue to be an important tool in securing and
retaining air service, though a significant portion of air service operates without
contractual support. Board members noted that the continuation of most airline
service demonstrates confidence in the Steamboat market beyond financial incentives
alone. From the LMD perspective, results were consistent with expectations, as the
organization budgets annually to the maximum cap amount and views expenditures
below cap as a positive outcome.
Commissioner Fisher and YVRA Director Gerber provided an update on FAA ground
delay program impacts. Efforts are ongoing to spread arrival times more effectively,
particularly on weekends. Delta has been receptive to adjusting schedules to mitigate
delays, and Alaska has also shown interest in discussing schedule changes. Other
carriers have been less willing to modify flight times.
Discussion focused on FAA operational procedures that now sequence aircraft
approximately 30 miles from the airport instead of 9 miles, reducing arrival capacity
during Ground Delay Program events to approximately four aircraft per hour. Airport
representatives emphasized that general aviation activity is not the primary driver of
these constraints. Airline representatives have recognized that Hayden appears to be
disproportionately affected compared with similar airports, and the absence of an air
traffic control tower was identified as a significant operational challenge.
Commissioner Fischer also reported on a newly approved three-year partnership
agreement involving the Local Marketing District, Steamboat Ski & Resort
Corporation, and city partners. The agreement was approved by the LMD Board on
May 29, approved by City Council on June 2, and formally executed during the
current week.
A key provision of the agreement allows the LMD to reimburse up to 75% of the
previous year's City Council-approved chamber summer marketing allocation. The
first year reimbursement is projected to be approximately $525,000. The purpose is to
provide a more stable funding source for summer destination marketing while
allowing greater flexibility in city budgeting. Participants noted that the agreement
will be evaluated over its three-year term to determine whether the funding levels,
reimbursement percentage, and overall structure remain appropriate and sustainable.
Discussion also addressed LMD reserves and long-term financial sustainability.
Board members noted that the additional commitment may require the use of reserves
and that future sustainability may depend on expanded district revenues, district
boundary changes, or adjustments to funding commitments. The LMD reserve floor
currently remains at $4.5 million.
Additional provisions of the agreement include increased funding for air service
program administration and strategic planning support. Funding will also be available
for consulting services related to air service development and route analysis. The
agreement removes summer airline revenue guarantee contributions from the ski area
while maintaining the existing winter cost-sharing arrangement of two-thi