KFFR 88.3 FM is seeking help from Grand County landowners as it works to expand its radio signal to the western side of the county through a rare Federal Communications Commission application window.

The community radio station, which is celebrating its 10th year on the air, has submitted a pending application for a new signal translator that would improve coverage in and around Kremmling. However, engineers recently determined the station’s originally proposed site on Grouse Mountain does not meet the FCC’s requirements for this application.

Station officials said they must now identify an alternative location before the application deadline in mid-August.

“The opportunity to apply for a translator like this doesn’t come around often,” said Ryan Wilson, executive director of KFFR. “We deal with technical and regulatory hurdles all the time in independent broadcasting, and we are confident that the community will help us overcome this one. We’ve been broadcasting for 10 years, and we’ve seen time and time again that the community of Grand County stands with us.”

According to KFFR, the FCC requires applicants to identify a specific, viable installation site before approving a translator. Engineers say a new location must be high enough to establish a direct line of sight with KFFR’s existing transmitter at Granby Ranch on East Mountain while clearing terrain that includes Red Mountain and Junction Butte south of U.S. Highway 40.

The station is asking landowners to submit potential sites for engineering review by July 15.

KFFR is focusing its search on the Kremmling area, including Parshall, the Gore Range, Big Horn and nearby communities.

A suitable site should meet the following criteria:

• Reliable access to electrical power with the property owner’s permission.
• The ability to clearly receive KFFR 88.3 FM on a standard radio.
• An elevation between 5,000 and 9,000 feet.
• Road access for equipment installation and maintenance.
• Space for a small equipment shelter next to an existing or planned tower, pole or other structure at least 50 feet tall.
• A location at least 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Kremmling Airport.

Landowners with qualifying property, or residents who know of a potential location, are encouraged to contact KFFR at 970-363-7361 or by email at info@kffr.org before the July 15 engineering deadline.