Press Release

On Saturday, August 20th, SilverWest Airport hosted SilverWest
Airfest from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This fly-in was open to the public for free.
Over 600 people enjoyed watching the planes take off and land, the vintage airplanes on display, and live music. Additionally, the airport board served over 1,000 free pancakes during the annual free pancake breakfast. The SilverWest AirFest brings attention to the airport’s facilities and focuses on showcasing career opportunities in aviation for Custer County young people. The SilverWest Airport supports local businesses by offering airport courtesy cars to those that fly-in to be used to explore our local downtown areas.
The SilverWest Airport is a county-maintained airport. All maintenance and upkeep are the responsibility of Custer County. The airport is managed by a volunteer board which is appointed by the Custer County Board of County Commissioners. The airport generates income through fuel sales and hangar ground leases.
Separately, on August 22, 2022, in a Special Meeting Board Meeting, the Custer County Commissioners approved the nomination Lutie Mora for SilverWest Airport Board. The BOCC also approved the use of a
$400,000 CDOT-Aviation Grant for runway maintenance (fog-seal, crack-seal, and runway marking). The fog-seal that is to be used is new technology that will double the life expectancy of seals used in the past. The runway maintenance will be done in two phases. Fog-seal and re-marking was completed late August 2022. The crack-seal will be scheduled next summer.
Utilizing the CDOT Division of Aviation grant for the required runway maintenance will save the county a significant amount of money over the next 10 years and help to preserve the existing runway.