August/September Business View Magazine

146 147 GRAND JUNCTION REGIONAL AIRPORT GRAND JUNCTION REGIONAL AIRPORT CHANGE IS IN THE AIR “W e’re looking at the long- term vision for the Air- port,” says Angela Padal- ecki, Executive Director of Grand Junction Regional Airport, a public air- port three miles northeast of Grand Junction, in Mesa County, Colorado. The commercial and general aviation facility, which originally opened in 1930, today is the largest airport in the western part of the state. It supports over 700 employ- ees, and serves over 452,000 passengers and 4.5 million pounds of cargo, annually. And, it is on the verge of some major changes. Encompassing 2,300 acres, Grand Junction Regional Airport includes two runways, one terminal, and multiple hangars and tenant buildings. According to Padalecki, the com- bination of commercial and general aviation tenants creates a unique atmosphere. “This