Jackson County Airport in Walden, CO announced it has completed its runway reconstruction project to ensure the airport’s long-term safety and efficiency.
The airport provides service for aviation users across the state’s North Park region and serves as a gateway to rural northwestern Colorado. Officials said the runway reconstruction project rebuilt the 5,900-foot runway from the ground up which provided a stronger pavement base, improved the runway surface and upgraded the runway’s safety markings.
“The Walden-Jackson County Airport is an essential lifeline for our community, not only for business and tourism but also for emergency services like aerial firefighting and medical flights,” Kent Holsinger, chair of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, said. “We’re extremely grateful and proud of the new runway and the dividends are sure to last for decades.”
The $5.7 million runway reconstruction project was paid with funds from the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Jackson County. Officials said Jackson County Airport is not eligible for and did not receive funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study, the Walden-Jackson County Airport contributes $184,000 in total business revenues to the state’s economy while supporting four jobs and generating another $113,000 in value.
“DOLA is proud to come together with our partners at the Colorado Department of Transportation for a total of $5.3 million in grant funding, so the Jackson County airport has the infrastructure necessary to effectively serve the broader community,” DOLA Executive Director, Maria De Cambra, said. “Investments like this demonstrate the state’s commitment to rural Colorado, and making strides so that the same safe, modern infrastructure is available everywhere.”