Proposed Airport Improvement Projects Have Been Submitted to the FAA to Update Burns Field

The Airport Joint Powers Board Administrator submitted a master plan to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for improvements to the Evanston-Uinta County Airport (Burns Field). The proposed upgrades include redesigning the hangar layouts, updating the asphalt runway, rehabilitating the taxiway, and improving the terminal.  

The airport is a joint powers venture between the City of Evanston and Uinta County. Officials were asked to forecast its essential projects for the next 10 years and request federal funding to cover the cost of the work.  

“It’s in the FAA’s hands,” says Gary Welling, Economic Development Director for Uinta County. “They will review the Airport Layout Plan and let us know if any changes are needed.”

The airport is a significant asset in Uinta County. Learn how it supports the community and why these improvements will be so valuable. 

Several Private and Public Entities Use Burns Field

At first glance, Burns Field might look like a sleepy runway in Southwest Wyoming, but it is actually a busy airstrip that accommodates people from all walks of life. Several private planes land in Evanston each month, supporting potential investors and tourists alike. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the state, with Wyoming receiving 8.7 million visitors per year, accounting for $4.8 billion in spending. Both visitors on private planes and tour companies use Burns Field, allowing Evanston to collect its share of tourist dollars.  

Public agencies also use the airport. Mosquito control planes take off from Burns Field along with predator abatement teams. Firefighters and ambulance services use the airport to respond quickly in emergencies.

“My dad had a medical emergency and needed to get to Salt Lake City from our town immediately,” says Welling. “The weather was too dangerous for a helicopter, so they used a medical transport plane.” The flight cut the travel time to the hospital in half and allowed his dad to receive treatment sooner. 

Airports Are an Economic Development Asset

Burns Field's presence can also help Evanston grow in the coming decades. When site selectors and business leaders are looking to expand, they check for airport access. While Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is only an hour from Evanston, Burns Field is right in the heart of Uinta County.

The continued improvements to the Evanston-Uinta County Airport can help attract businesses to the region in the coming years. This will support job creation in Uinta County and increase the stores and amenities available to residents.  

The FAA Covers a Significant Amount of Project Costs

Federal improvement projects are primarily funded by the FAA, which covers up to 90% of the cost. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WyDOT) covers an additional 6%. Evanston only pays for 4% of the cost. Evanston residents will benefit from the airport improvements and can rest assured they aren’t footing the bill to complete them.

The FAA is investing heavily in airport upgrades to ensure all travelers are safe. If an airplane is experiencing an emergency, the pilots might not be able to make it to a large airport. Smaller airstrips like Burns Field provide safe landing options. From an economic standpoint, landing at Burns Field could prevent SLC from closing down due to an emergency landing. While the odds of an emergency are low, Evanston’s airstrip can potentially save lives just by existing.  

Visit Burns Field and Learn About This Local Asset

You don’t have to fly out of Evanston-Uinta County Airport to appreciate it. The airport is open to the public in August for its annual Evanston Airport Day. Bring a chair and enjoy the airshow. Visitors can also stop by the airport to see how it supports local air travelers. From hobbyist pilots to visiting government leaders, Burns Field might be more active than you think.

Learn more about the location advantages of moving to Evanston, Wyoming, and explore other resources for site selectors. We have all the information you need to confirm that Uinta County is the best choice for expansion.