Village of Angel Fire and Colfax County Commission Set to Vote on the Transfer the Colfax County Airport in Angel FIre
ANGEL FIRE, NM – (August 27, 2024) – The Village of Angel Fire (https://www.angelfirenm.gov), located in the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico, is looking for ways to expand tourism into the area by taking over operations of the airport, located in the ski resort town. For several decades, the Colfax County Airport has been managed by county officials based in Raton, located more than an hour and a half away from Angel Fire. Airport operations are draining up to $200,000 from Colfax County annual budget. The Village of Angel Fire is prepared to take over the costs of running the airport and feels the timing is right for this transfer.
“The Colfax County Airport presents a unique opportunity to expand tourism into northern New Mexico. While the county has done their best with it, we know it’s a financial burden we can take off their shoulders and put additional resources behind to make this a true destination spot,” explains BJ Lindsey, Mayor of Angel Fire.
“The Village of Angel Fire taking over the airport operations just makes sense. The Village clearly has the resources and the vision for what the airport can become,” states, Monte Gore, Colfax County Manager.
The fourth-highest airport in the country has long been considered a potential hub in northern New Mexico because of its high quality and length of runway. The airport is currently used by private pilots; however, the Village of Angel Fire recently applied and was given a grant from NMDOT to offer commercial flights from Albuquerque starting in December, just in time for ski season.
“We plan to expand the number of flights we can bring into the area to showcase the Moreno Valley and Colfax County. We could even see a day when travelers could sit at a restaurant at the airport before they catch their flight,” Lindsey adds.
The Colfax County Commission and the Village of Angel Fire will vote on resolutions agreeing to move forward with the transfer on September 24. If approved this would be the first step in conveying operations of the airport from the County to the Village.
Residents with questions about the proposed resolution can email the Village of Angel Fire at airport@angelfirenm.gov
