Investment marks first project under innovative program supporting aerospace growth and airport infrastructure at Northern Colorado Regional Airport
LOVELAND, CO. — The City of Loveland has awarded its first Aviation & Aerospace Business Partnership incentive to Opterus Research and Development, marking an important milestone in the City’s strategy to grow Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL) as a hub for aviation and aerospace innovation.
Opterus, founded in 2015 by Dr. Thomas Murphey, is a fast-growing provider of critical spacecraft systems and deployable structures. The company specializes in innovative solutions for complex aerospace challenges, offering RF apertures, solar arrays, and instrument deployment solutions enabled by advanced high-strain composite booms and hinges. Opterus supports the U.S. government, civil organizations, and leading aerospace companies.
The company recently completed the buildout of its new manufacturing and office facility within the Airport Influence Area, a defined zone comprising approximately 25 square miles of property immediately surrounding the airport. The incentive provides qualifying aviation and aerospace companies with a rebate of up to 50% of eligible City use tax or business personal property tax while simultaneously dedicating a portion of the tax proceeds to the Airport Infrastructure Development Fund (AIDF), creating a sustainable funding source for future airport improvements.
“This is exactly the type of investment this program was designed to attract,” said Scott Schorling, City of Loveland Economic Development business development manager. “We’re helping innovative aerospace companies reduce the cost of expanding in Loveland while reinvesting in the airport infrastructure that benefits the entire aviation community. It’s a true partnership between business growth and long-term airport development.”
The Aviation & Aerospace Business Partnership Program was created to strengthen the competitive position of Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL) by encouraging aerospace manufacturers, maintenance and repair organizations, component suppliers, aviation technology companies, and other aviation-related businesses to establish or expand operations near FNL.
“As we evaluated locations for our new manufacturing and office operations, Loveland stood out because of its business-friendly environment, access to Northern Colorado Regional Airport, and a community that recognizes the value of aerospace innovation. The City’s Aviation & Aerospace Business Partnership Program helped reinforce that decision, and we’re excited to grow our operations here while contributing to the continued success of FNL.”
Unlike traditional incentive programs, Loveland’s initiative directs a portion of project tax revenues into the Airport Infrastructure Development Fund, ensuring every qualifying project supports both private investment and future airport enhancements.
For more information about the Aviation and Aerospace Business Partnership Program visit lovelandeconomicdevelopment.org/aviation
Learn more about Opterus Research and Development at www.opterusrd.com