Mesa County moves forward with aerial imagery flights for assessment, planning and public safety

The Board of County Commissioners approved a Master Service Agreement with Pictometry International Corporation, DBA EagleView, for biennial aerial imagery flights in 2026, 2028 and 2030.

The six-year agreement totals $267,190, with annual purchase orders of $44,531.67 pending yearly appropriations. The aerial imagery is a core tool used by many county departments, including public safety, 911, elections, engineering, community development and the Assessor’s Office, and is also widely used by the private sector.

The imagery supports daily operations, long-term planning, emergency response and disaster recovery, while allowing the County to coordinate flights with the City of Grand Junction to reduce costs and maximize data sharing.

The first flight in 2026 will include an infrared color band, a feature that enhances the County’s ability to identify irrigated turf to aid in the mitigation of the Japanese Beetle. This data will help support ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of Japanese beetles and improve environmental monitoring.

Mesa County will own the imagery in perpetuity, ensuring a long-term historical record that supports planning, analysis and public transparency.

The agreement also includes a disaster response provision. If Mesa County experiences a qualifying natural disaster, EagleView will provide post-disaster aerial imagery at no additional cost to support damage assessment and recovery efforts.

During the administrative public hearing on Dec. 16, 2025, commissioners noted the importance of imagery as a core government service that supports residents across the county and leverages partnerships to reduce costs and protect taxpayer dollars.