Airport aims to add nonstop service to Houston

Grand Junction Regional Airport says it won a $950,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to attract nonstop service to Houston—specifically between the Western Slope hub and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Airport CEO Angela Padalecki said Houston is a top market for customers that currently lacks nonstop options, and that United’s Houston hub offers complementary connections relative to its Denver hub. The grant funds a “minimum revenue guarantee” to reduce airline risk, backed by $700,000 in matching funds from the Grand Junction Regional Air Service Alliance and $25,000 from the airport. The airport was one of 14 DOT recipients under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. United has submitted a letter of support, making it a likely contender, but no airline has announced plans.