Garfield County has announced several updates regarding grants, internet, and the Rifle Airport. 35-thousand-dollars was recently awarded to the West Mountain Regional Health Alliance. It will go towards a 300-thousand dollar funding gap in 2024 operations, that usually provides healthcare assistance, food security, homelessness prevention, and more. Pitkin and Eagle counties are also expected to contribute to fill the funding gap.
Movement has also been made in Garfield County’s broadband initiative, with two parts of a three-part broadband expansion almost completed. The project is reportedly on-track, and set to bring 4,000 homes internet that did not have access prior. So far, Carrier Neutral Locations have been established or nearly finished in Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Silt, New Castle, and Parachute.
This summer crews expect to connect local access to CDOT fiber lines that run under I-70. The third phase will include customers who live outside of current service areas.
The Rifle Airport has started a business plan for their new Airport Master Plan that covers the next 10 years. The plan will be reviewed by the FAA prior to approval or arrival of grant funding. A 10-person technical advisory committee may also be on the horizon, to assist with overseeing the master plan process. Some suggest that a tower could be part of the new plan, as well as the possibility of a second de-icing pad, a pilot lounge, public terminal, and several other airport amenities.
