Montrose Regional Airport’s director of aviation, Lloyd Arnold, was awarded the 2024 Economic Development Award Thursday at the Montrose Economic Development Corporation’s annual luncheon.

Sandy Head, the Montrose EDC’s executive director, cited Arnold’s leadership and the airport’s growth for why he was deserving of the award.

In 2022, there were 460,000 passengers counted, coming to and leaving from Montrose Regional Airport, compared to 92,000 in 2007.

Most recently, Arnold oversaw a big airport terminal expansion. The expansion added 25,000 square feet to the terminal, doubling its size. The expansion includes a number of improvements for passengers, including a larger baggage claim area, more spacious waiting areas, a bar area, a fireplace and remarkable views.

Head said the airport is Montrose’s leading economic driver, and the most recently analysis by the Colorado Avionic Division showed a $327 million benefit to our region every year.

Arnold thanked the people who work at the airport and the county commissioners for their support.