Tuesday, DECEMBER 16, 2025 |
Photo – Dixon Airport gate – Bigfoot99 file photo
County Commissioners are partnering with WYDOT to repair the Dixon Airport runway.
Dixon Airport is an important economic driver for Carbon County, offering vital access to Baggs and Dixon and the area’s high‑end recreational ranches. The regional airport holds a B2 rating from the Federal Aviation Administration, meaning planes and business jets with wingspans between 49 and 79 feet may land on the runway.
Speaking at the December 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones announced that the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division is preparing to perform its biennial airport maintenance project. Commissioner Jones said the state agency has contracted a firm to fill cracks and resurface the runway.
Commissioner Jones said WYDOT will cover 80% of the project, with the county responsible for the remaining $9,241.68. The commissioner emphasized that the airport is a strong financial asset for the entire county.
Before a vote could be called, Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett noted that the contract allows WYDOT to terminate the agreement if it cannot secure funding for the runway maintenance project. Vice Chair Bartlett asked if the county could have a similar provision. Commissioner Jones explained that by accepting federal funding, the county is legally committed to the project for 25 years.
County Attorney Ashley Davis agreed, saying it would benefit the county to have the ability to withdraw from an agreement if funding fell short. However, Attorney Davis said the county is bound to a 25‑year commitment every time it accepts federal funding.
Commissioner Jones added that if they withdraw from the agreement, the federal government could lower Dixon Airport’s runway rating and sue the county.
Despite the threat of legal action, Commissioner Jones said the agreement serves the county’s best interest, requiring only a $9,000 investment to preserve Dixon Airport’s rating. Once the crack seal project is completed, the facility will be ready for future improvements to enable the runway to accommodate larger and faster aircraft. Commissioner Jones added that the county cannot afford to pay for the upgrades itself.
Upgrading the Dixon Airport runway to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s requirements will cost upwards of $15 million. However, the FAA is expected to cover 90 percent of the project cost, with WYDOT contributing 6 percent, leaving the county responsible for paying approximately $600,000.
Back at the December 2nd Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Jones thanked the Federal Aviation Administration and WYDOT for allocating funding for future airport maintenance, noting that no single agency could afford to cover all the costs alone.
The Board of Carbon County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the 2026 Dixon Airport Crack Seal Project.
