The new runway in Jackson County has been completed, serving Colorado’s North Park region. It’s one mile north of Walden at the Jackson County Airport. The majority of the $5.7 million project was paid for by grant funding.
Press Release from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Colorado Department of Transportation; Oct. 2, 2025.
Jackson County Airport Completes Critical Runway 4/22 Reconstruction Project
WALDEN, CO – Jackson County Airport (33V) in Walden, Colorado, announced the completion of the full reconstruction of the airport’s runway 4/22. The project ensures the long-term safety and efficiency for aviation users across Colorado’s North Park region and enhances critical emergency access to the area.
Located just one mile north of Walden, Jackson County Airport serves as a vital gateway to rural northwestern Colorado, supporting recreational flying, business travel, aerial firefighting, air ambulance services, and tourism. The runway reconstruction project rebuilt the 5,900-foot runway from the ground up, providing a stronger pavement base, improved surface, and upgraded 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,” said Kent Holsinger, Chair of the Colorado Aeronautical Board. “We’re extremely grateful and proud of the new runway and the dividends are sure to last for decades.”
“DOLA is proud to come together with our partners at the Colorado Department of Transportation for a total of $5.3M in grant funding so the Jackson County airport has the infrastructure necessary to effectively serve the broader community,” said DOLA Executive Director, Maria De Cambra. “Investments like this demonstrate the State’s commitment to rural Colorado, and making strides so that the same safe, modern infrastructure is available everywhere.”
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said, “CDOT and our Aeronautics Division are proud to have joined our partners at DOLA and Jackson County to collaborate on funding this impactful project at the Walden/Jackson County Airport,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “As the primary airport for rural north-central Colorado, this new runway will allow the airport to continue to provide safe and efficient access for aerial firefighting operations, emergency air ambulance and other critical aviation services.”
The $5.7 million runway reconstruction project was made possible through a unique combination of funds provided by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), and Jackson County. Unlike most major runway projects that receive partial funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Jackson County Airport is not eligible for FAA support. Thanks to this collaborative effort, the community was able to secure a vital infrastructure improvement that otherwise would not have been possible.
According the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study, the Walden-Jackson County Airport contributed $184,000 in total business revenues, supported four jobs, and generated $113,000 in value added to Colorado’s economy.
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