Bennet, Gardner, Tipton Support Adding International Travel at Grand Junction Regional Airport for Tourism and Trade

Lawmakers sent letter of support for User Fee Airport designation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R), with U.S. Representative Scott Tipton (R-CO-3), today sent a letter of support to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, urging him to designate the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) as a User Fee Airport (UFA) under U.S. Customs supervision.

“[Grand Junction Regional Airport] is an essential asset in the economic development efforts of the Grand Junction region and Western Colorado,” the lawmakers wrote. “Allowing direct international flights enhances the airport’s role in the state tourism industry and creates a new, direct link to the global air transportation system for Colorado employers.”

UFA designations enable airports to host direct international travel. As the lawmakers wrote, the designation would serve as a tool to diversify economic opportunities and attract multinational business and tourism to the region. The lawmakers also highlighted GJT’s access to interstate and rail transportation in reference to the broader goal to establish a Foreign-Trade Zone.  

“The full complement of international air, truck, and rail infrastructure supports the community’s goal to establish a Foreign-Trade Zone in the region on behalf of international businesses that have expressed interest in the program,” the lawmakers wrote. “Both public and private partners are working closely together to provide the capital and ongoing financial support necessary for this endeavor.”

A copy of the letter is available HERE.