Brandon Leuallen, The Business Times 

A major expansion at West Star Aviation has reached another milestone as local economic development organizations this week presented the company with $246,000 in incentive funding tied to its investment in Grand Junction.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership and Industrial Developments Inc., in partnership with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, each presented a $123,000 check to West Star Aviation during a ceremony July 14 at the company’s facility at 796 Heritage Way.

The combined $246,000 represents the required local match for Colorado’s Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentive, which helped secure the expansion after Grand Junction competed with locations in other states for the project.

The expansion includes construction of a 109,000-square-foot facility, featuring 40,000 square feet of dedicated aircraft hangar space, 38,000 square feet of office and back-shop space, and additional aircraft ramp space, allowing the company to service more aircraft while supporting future growth.

Construction began following a groundbreaking in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of October this year. The project is expected to create up to 100 new primary jobs.

The local incentive is only one portion of a broader state-and-local-incentive package assembled to help secure the expansion in Grand Junction.

GJEP Director of Strategic Engagement Selena Sanchez said during a phone interview the local incentive was tied to West Star beginning construction and making the required capital investment.

She said West Star also has begun hiring employees as part of the expansion.

Sanchez said the state’s portion of the Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentive has not yet been paid, because it follows a separate process.

According to the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, West Star Aviation also secured Colorado’s Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit as part of the overall incentive package.

The Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentive provides cash payments over five years to companies that create and maintain new permanent jobs in Colorado while requiring a local funding match. The program is used when Colorado is competing against at least one other state for a business expansion or relocation project.

West Star Aviation has operated in Mesa County since 1952 and is one of the nation’s leading providers of maintenance, repair and overhaul services for business aircraft. In a GJEP news release, West Star General Manager Scott Sweeney said the expansion marks a major milestone for the company and will help meet growing customer demand while creating new opportunities for employees and the community.

GJEP Executive Director Curtis Englehart said the project reflects the community’s long-term economic-development strategy.

“This expansion represents an opportunity for our workforce and economic growth as we continue to make Grand Junction a hub for aerospace and aviation services,” Englehart said. “This opportunity for collaboration is made possible through the hard work of dedicated partners at the state and local level. Our partnership with West Star Aviation, OEDIT, Industrial Developments Inc., and the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce to support the success of this expansion is paramount to our mission and the economic vitality of Mesa County.”

Candace Carnahan, president and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and director of Industrial Developments Inc., said helping existing businesses expand remains one of the most effective economic development strategies available to the community.

“West Star Aviation has been a cornerstone employer in Mesa County for more than 70 years, and this expansion reflects both their continued confidence in our community and their commitment to innovation,” Carnahan said. “By helping existing businesses grow, we strengthen our economy, create quality jobs and build a more competitive future for Mesa County.”