Assistant Leader Neguse Secures $500,000 Award to CSU's Christman Airfield for Enhanced Firefighting and Drone Innovation

Lafayette, CO — Yesterday, U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse announced he secured $500,000 in Community Project Funding to Colorado State University (CSU) to advance their Multiuse UAS Airfield Project. This funding—secured by Congressman Neguse as part of a government funding package signed into law earlier this year—will support the renovation and improvement of Christman Airfield, which plays a key role in emergency firefighting operations across the Front Range and is paving the way in drone training and research for the Rocky Mountain West. 

The Colorado Congressman was joined by CSU President Amy Parsons, Drone Center Director Christopher Robertson, and a wide array of university faculty and students—highlighting the critical role of federal support in advancing this initiative. The event featured a ceremonial check presentation and allowed CSU researchers the opportunity to elaborate on the development of new aircraft and UAS technologies.

“CSU stands at the forefront of innovation and technology in Colorado, and I’m incredibly proud to have secured $500,000 in Federal funding to help renovate and improve the Christman Airfield,” said Assistant Leader Joe Neguse. “After the recent Alexander Mountain and Stone Canyon Fires, our community understands the critical need to strengthen aerial firefighting and emergency management capabilities—and this investment directly addresses that need. Together, we’re taking meaningful steps to better protect Coloradans from the increasing threat of wildfires.” 

“We’re grateful to Congressman Neguse for his efforts to secure this funding for several community-based projects in Larimer County. Christman Airfield at CSU plays a critical role in wildfire mitigation, and is used for everything from response to natural disasters to law enforcement to search and rescue. It’s also foundational to our drone education at CSU, and we’re appreciative for the opportunity to invest in this multi-use resource,” said Amy Parsons, Colorado State University President .

"Colorado State University’s Christman Field is a highly versatile UAV research, education, and flight training facility, located northwest of Fort Collins at the base of the foothills. When it’s not being utilized to train the next generation of aviators, the airfield also serves as an essential emergency operations center and staging ground for aerial firefighting efforts,” said Adam Smith, Associate Director, Colorado State University Drone Center. “As the third-longest continuously operating airfield in Colorado, the facilities and runway at Christman Field are beginning to show signs of age. This grant funding provides a crucial opportunity to revitalize the airfield, enabling expanded aerial firefighting operations. With these upgrades, Christman Field will remain a vital asset for Colorado’s emergency management professionals, helping to safeguard our natural resources and mountain communities.” 

As mentioned, the $500,000 federal investment will go toward the renovation and improvement of the Christman Airfield, which is utilized for aviation research and training for wildfire fighting. The renewed facility provides an updated location for aerial firefighting and emergency management during forest fire operations, supporting the protection of Colorado’s natural areas as well as properties in the forested areas of the state. 

Neguse secured a total of $11 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding for 14 projects that directly benefit cities and towns across Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District.