JetAway, county mediation continues

MONTROSE — Settlement negotiations are ongoing between Montrose County and JetAway Aviation/Montrose Jet Center.

Representatives from the county and the aviation business, which is seeking to become a second fixed-base operator for Montrose Regional Airport, participated in mediation with the Federal Aviation Administration.

“That’s where we are — still trying to work out an agreement. But we are trying, all of us,” Montrose County Commission Chairman Allan Belt said.

He could not comment specifically about the ongoing mediation, but said once an agreement is reached, it has to be approved by all sides and the commission would vote publicly on it.

Belt said though mediation entered into earlier in the month was summarized, there is only a working foundation for a possible agreement. The FAA’s position is needed on some points and once that is received, it will also have to be reviewed.

“The important thing to note is both sides are earnestly working toward an agreement. That doesn’t mean there aren’t obstacles yet to go,” Belt said.

JetAway’s registered agent, Steve Stuhmer, did not immediately return phone calls.

In 2005, JetAway entered a competitive bidding process to be named the county’s FBO. An FBO services non-commercial air traffic and also sells fuel. However, the county awarded the bid to Jet Center Partners, now doing business as Black Canyon Jet Center.

JetAway, which operates a hangar business near the airport via a “through the fence” agreement, submitted a proposal to become the county’s second FBO. The business filed a series of lawsuits and a complaint with the FAA, which alleged the county wasn’t acting in a timely manner on its FBO request.

The FAA said the county’s delay was not unreasonable, given the unresolved lawsuits. It also said JetAway’s proposal met the county’s requirement for an FBO and the airport has space for a second FBO.

After the ruling, the county denied JetAway’s request, citing logistical and geographical issues. The county also ordered JetAway to suspend construction of a plane-parking area, out of fear it would be used to provide de-facto FBO services. It contended JetAway violated the terms of its lease agreement as well. The business’ attempt to obtain a court order allowing continued construction was denied.