ALAMOSA — In the lingo of the aviation community —a "wheels down or landed," agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and the San Luis Valley Regional Airport has been finalized.

As previously reported in the Valley Courier, in June of 2023 the FAA proposed a $1.2 million fine for the airport for numerous safety violations pertaining to firefighting readiness.

In the eight-page settlement agreement, the airport must comply with mitigation measures pertaining to Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) measures including, "That during all air carrier [commercial] operations, there are a minimum of two fully trained ARFF personnel on airport property during all air carrier operations.”

The airport will be required to, “Make a good faith effort to ensure each ARFF shift has at least one fire fighter trained and certified as a Fire Fighter I through the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.”

The agreement mandates several other ARFF procedures the airport must incorporate into daily operations.

Today, the Alamosa County Board of County Commissioners will discuss the agreement that has been signed by Alamosa County Commissioner Vern Heersink, Alamosa County Attorney Jason Kelly, City of Alamosa City Manager Heather Sanchez, City of Alamosa Attorney Erich Schwiesow and FAA attorneys Marissa Harrison and William Garrison.