Construction has been ongoing on the Vernal Regional Airport runway project . The paving portion of the project is now complete which is considered a major milestone in the project. The completion of the runway is considered a crucial part in upgrading local air service to support growth in the local economy. In August, the Uintah County Commission announced that SkyWest Airlines was awarded the Essential Air Service contract with the Vernal Regional Airport to take over for Boutique Air in the spring of 2018. Once complete, the runway will be able to accommodate the jet aircraft service hoped for.