Official Ceremony Set For December 17th

Officials at the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) will soon be celebrating a grand re-opening following the completion of a $22 million runway renovation project. TEX officials are proud to announce that astronaut and Telluride homeowner Neil Armstrong will serve as the guest of honor at the re-opening events on Thursday, Dec. 17.

"We are incredibly honored that Neil Armstrong and his wife, Carol, will be joining us for the re-opening of TEX," said Scott McQuade, CEO of the Telluride Tourism Board. "His visibility and commitment to the Telluride community have become an invaluable asset as we strive to elevate the area's year round tourism product and reputation," continued McQuade.

Armstrong has long enjoyed a second home in Telluride and maintains strong ties and friendships in the Telluride community, flying into TEX several times each year. He has also been a strong supporter of community events, including the Telluride Tech Festival.

The Telluride Regional Airport sits atop Deep Creek Mesa and is North America's highest commercial airport. At 9,070 feet above sea level, the airport offers picturesque views of the San Juan Mountains. The December 17 event will celebrate the completion of Phase II of the airport's reconstruction--a modernization project that included the removal of the existing runway, reducing grades, widening safety areas, extending the length of the runway and adding all new runway lighting. Offering both commercial and general aviation pilots a much smoother landing, the runway now meets FAA standards. Phase III of the reconstruction will begin in 2010 and will widen the remaining safety areas and add an engineered material arresting system (EMASS).

Neil Armstrong

Armstrong will officially re-open the airport when he steps from the plane onto the tarmac to cut the ceremonial ribbon. A short press conference will follow, along with media tours of the new runway. A private, invitation-only cocktail reception will also take place that evening.

FMI: www.tellurideairport.com