Airport dedicates Coe Terminal

CODY (WNE) — Numerous local, state and federal officials, both past and present, along with the community turned out Friday, June 7, to remember the late State Sen. Hank Coe and to dedicate the newly expanded terminal at Yellowstone Regional Airport as the Senator Hank Coe Terminal.

“Every person I asked for help on this project helped, because they knew my dad would have helped them,” said H.R. Coe, the senator’s son.

Coe had a long career in public service, including as a state senator for 32 years, Park County commissioner for eight years and a member of the YRA board for many years.  Through his longtime advocacy in the Wyoming Legislature, he had a singular impact on the development of commercial airline service across the state.

Present at the dedication were Gov. Mark Gordon, U.S. Senators Al Simpson (ret.), John Barasso and Cynthia Lummis, former State Sen. Eli Bebout, former State Sen. Tony Ross, Park County Commissioner Lee Livingston, Cody Mayor Matt Hall and Wyoming Airport Coalition Vice Chair Devon Brubaker.

The culmination of the event was the unveiling of the larger-than-life statue of Coe that was fashioned by noted Cody sculptor Gerald Shippen.  It survived the Caleco Foundry fire just days before, and H.R. Coe thanked Clay Ward for his help repairing minor damage it incurred.

Gordon remembered Coe as a longtime fireman, noting that his son continues his legacy and actually battled the blaze at the foundry.

“News stories showed an intact bronze statue that rose, like a phoenix, from the ashes,” said Gordon, quoting Shippen about the fire.

The expansion, which added both counter and office spaces, will allow the airport to accommodate more than two airlines, said Heidi Rasmussen, chair of the YRA Joint Powers Board.  Additional improvements made during the expansion included new luggage and X-ray equipment and additional seating in the passenger security area.

This story was published on June 10, 2024.