It’s official. Vernal City will be taking over management of the Vernal Regional Airport, starting July 1st. The airport is jointly owned by Uintah County and Vernal City since 1947. Uintah County owns 75 percent and Vernal City owns 25 percent. Five years ago, the Uintah Transportation Special Service District took over management of the airport operations as well as funded the local share of the major airport upgrades to the expanded runway. Uintah County, Vernal City and the Transportation District recently agreed to an Interlocal agreement that, starting next month, Vernal City will manage the airport. “The airport is funded with fees collected at the airport and a subsidy from Uintah County and Vernal City,” explains Vernal City Manager Quinn Bennion. “In addition to a new managing entity, there will be an upcoming change for the airport manager position. Doug Brown, former manager, moved from the area to accept a Deputy Airport Manager position in the Midwest. Vernal City will begin the search for a new Airport Manager in July. The existing three employees at the airport will be hired by the City and continue their work.” Bennion also notes that the airport’s passenger numbers after the COVID-19 slowdown are now increasing and United Airlines operated by Skywest is offering daily commercial flights to Denver. For flight information, visit www.flyvernal.com.
