Feb 17 Mesa County Board of Commissioners to Weigh Airport Grants, Child Welfare Contracts, and Road Expansions
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mesa County Commissioners will vote on a $1.3M FAA grant for the airport tower, expanded child welfare contracts, and land purchases for the 32 1/2 Road widening. The Board will also consider support for a new Clifton fire station design and the historic Loma School.
The Mesa County Board of Commissioners will convene this Tuesday morning for an administrative public hearing that covers significant infrastructure funding and social service contracts.
From federal aviation grants to critical child welfare support, here is what is on the agenda for the February 17, 2026 meeting.
Infrastructure: Airport Upgrades and Road Widening
A major item on the Consent Agenda involves the region's air travel infrastructure. The Commissioners will consider accepting a $1,300,450 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Project: The funds are designated to rehabilitate the sponsor-owned FAA contract tower.
The Agreement: This involves a co-sponsorship agreement between Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction, and the Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority (GJRAA).
Road work also continues to move forward. The Board is set to approve land purchase contracts for the 32 ½ Road Improvement Project (Phase II). The county is acquiring small parcels from local owners Patrick Twitchell and Marcella S. Haynie to facilitate the expansion.
Community & Heritage: Fire Stations and Historic Schools
The Commissioners are expected to ratify letters of support for two community initiatives:
Clifton Fire Protection District: The Board is backing the district's application for a state grant to design a future fire station.
Loma School: A letter of support is on the table for nominating the Loma School to the 2027 Endangered Places program, a move intended to help preserve the historic site.
Human Services: Expanding Support Networks
Following the regular hearing, the Commissioners will reconvene as the Board of Human Services to address several high-value contracts.
Child Welfare Funding: The Board will consider increasing the contract cap for Ariel Clinical Services—which provides Child Welfare CORE Services—from $425,000 to $625,000.
Case Management Tech: A contract renewal is up for Northwoods Consulting Partners (also known as Traverse) to continue providing child welfare case management software for another three years.
Veterans Services: The Board is set to re-appoint Anthony Lee as the Mesa County Veterans Service Officer for a two-year term.
Administrative & Fiscal Items
Several other operational items require individual consideration:
Auditing: A contract extension with Eide Bailly, LLC for the 2025 fiscal year audit is up for approval, totaling $249,081.
Snow Removal: An intergovernmental agreement with the Town of De Beque regarding snow plowing assistance will be reviewed.
Waste Management: A $163,000 contract with Weaver Consultants Group for environmental consulting and engineering services is on the docket.
Meeting Details
The hearing will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 9:00 AM in the Public Hearing Room at 544 Rood Avenue.
If you would like to speak at a public meeting, but cannot attend in person, you may do so virtually. Please read and complete the "Public Hearing Participation Sign Up" form no later than 8:00am on the day of the meeting.
Public Comment: Residents may speak on non-agenda items for up to 3 minutes. Speakers must identify themselves and strict rules of decorum will be enforced.
