New terminal planned for Clovis airport

Traffic at Clovis Regional Airport has nearly tripled in the past five years. Clovis city commissioners on Thursday responded to that growth by greenlighting a new $25.5 million terminal.

Commissioners approved a low-bid award to EPX Construction Partners of El Paso, Texas, as the contractor to build the terminal. City Manager Justin Howalt said the city's share of the cost will be about $500,000. The Federal Aviation Administration will fund the rest.

The airport saw about 5,000 passenger enplanements in 2019. That number grew to more than 13,000 in 2023, according to airport Director Amanda Brungart.

"The need for additional space and additional seating has been influenced by our passenger enplanements as they continue to increase," Brungart told The News after Thursday's meeting. "The additional gate systems and ramp space will allow for additional flights or airlines in the future."

Howalt said Friday that groundbreaking should start in about 90 days. Brungart said the facility should be complete about 18 months after EPX begins construction.

The new terminal will be more than 20,000 square feet larger than the current terminal, Brungart said.

"It will include two gates for arriving and departing traffic, a full TSA (Transportation Security Administration) queue, airline ticket counters, rental car counters, and a restaurant," she said.

"The terminal will allow passengers to receive their bags through a traditional baggage claim. The new terminal will also include offices for airport administration, TSA, and airline employees. The planned restaurant ... will allow passengers and the general public a full view of the airport and will be accessible to everyone." 

In other business at Thursday's meeting:

n Commissioners passed two resolutions recommended by the New Mexico Municipal League when it met in Clovis in August.

One resolution called for the state to get involved with the 38-state PsyPact for the availability of telepsychology availability.

The other resolution calls for the state to join a 42-state group to increase availability of medical services.

The resolutions are to be presented to the 2025 State Legislature for passage.

n The Commission handed out "Yard of the Summer" awards in each of the city's four commission districts.

The District 1 award went to Greg and Sally Trujillo for their property at 2012 Enloe Dr.

The District 2 award went to Daniel Aguilar at 1712 Wilshire Blvd.

There was a tie in District 3 so two property owners were awarded: Fidel Cano at 810 Reid St. and Guillero Viveros at 918 W. Fifth.

The District 4 award went to Craig Cheney at 2901 Axtell.

n Commissioners approved the demolition of two properties in the city due to their dilapidated condition: 1116 Oak St. and 2507 W. Seventh St.

Another property at 928 Willow St. was approved for "abatement" by "securing the windows, door and openings."

n Commissioners voted to buy the Wilson Sublease Hangar at the city airport that had been leased from a company named Moby. The city agreed to pay $160,000.

n Commissioners heard Clovis Mayor Mike Morris speak of recent efforts by parties in Quay County trying to put a halt to the Ute Water Pipeline Project.

Morris described the effort as a "non-story."

n Commissioner Helen Casaus offered "kudos to the High Plains Humane Society."

Casaus said 558 spay/neuter operations had been done at the society's new building at 608 W. 21st St. through July.

Casaus said 195 spay/neuter operations were expected to be done this weekend by the society.

After the commission meeting, Casaus said, "The Humane Society has given approximately 3,500 vaccines so far this year with two more vaccine clinics coming."