Pitkin County outlines $520 million Aspen airport modernization plan; asks commissioners to approve program management staff

Pitkin County officials on May 22 detailed a modernization plan for Aspen/Pitkin County Airport that they estimate will cost about $520 million and asked county commissioners to approve program management staff and budget authority to carry the project forward.

Brad Jacobson, a member of the project’s program management team, said the plan covers three major work streams: a complete runway demolition and reconstruction, a new terminal and associated apron and parking, and a west‑side taxiway and general aviation apron. “The total cost of the three elements that we have been discussing is right around $520,000,000,” Jacobson said during the work session.

The airport modernization matters because it will reshape key county infrastructure and require new financing, construction logistics and public engagement as officials seek FAA environmental approval and federal funding. Commissioners were asked for direction to convert staff proposals into a formal supplemental budget request to hire program management staff and internal controls to oversee the work.

Most important facts

- Scope and schedule: Jacobson described three project groups: an airfield project that includes demolishing and rebuilding the existing runway 80 feet to the west to a full length of about 8,000 feet and 150 feet wide; a new 90,000‑square‑foot terminal with apron, parking and rental car facilities; and a west‑side taxiway and general aviation apron relocated from the east side. Jacobson said the runway work is targeted for spring–fall 2027 with enabling work in 2026.

- Cost: The…