For Immediate Release: December 7 , 2004
Contact: Mel Lloyd: 970-244-3097
 
 

Ground breaking scheduled for Grand Junction interagency air center

GRAND JUNCTION, CO—The Bureau of Land Management is holding a ground breaking ceremony at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13, 2004 for the new Grand Junction Interagency Air Center, located near the existing facility at Walker Field Airport. 

One of the nation’s busiest fire aviation centers, the new facility will serve as headquarters for smoke jumpers, helitack crew members, pilots, dispatch and base administration.  The 9,200 sq. ft. building is budgeted at $3.7 million, and completion is scheduled for October 2005.  Far East Construction and Chamberlin Architects have been awarded the contract.

“The original facility was established in 1974 to support local interagency firefighting efforts,” said Fire Operations Specialist Chris Farinetti.  “With this new complex, collaboration among multiple agencies and cooperators will be enhanced, in turn strengthening the fire program and facilitating increased protection of our public lands.”

The new facility will employ six full-time employees and 30 support positions and provide for expanded dispatch, large air tanker usage, small aircraft and helicopter parking, and pilot and smoke jumper facilities. 

For further information, contact Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Officer Bill Hahnenberg at (970) 244-3103.

-BLM-

Editor’s Note:  Please call Mel Lloyd for directions to the Air Center.