Longmont City Council votes to take FAA grant funding for Vance Brand airport repairs

Longmont City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to accept about $1.66 million in state and federal grants to rebuild taxiways at Vance Brand Municipal Airport. The decision followed a three-week delay, driven by council concern that accepting FAA-linked funding could come with conditions. Mayor Pro Tem Sean McCoy was the lone dissenting vote, saying he still felt uncomfortable until the city understood its obligations under the grant agreement. The discussion included long-term airport sustainability, aircraft noise, governance, and community relations during a pre-session. Councilmember Jake Marsing said he wants Vance Brand to be a broadly supported community asset, citing issues such as financial sustainability, community impacts from touch-and-go operations, and VNAP compliance. Airport manager Levi Brown said staff meets quarterly with flight schools for VNAP meetings, sharing procedures and working with regulators and the Colorado Pilots Association.