Pitkin County outlines airport modernization timeline and funding pursuit; design through 2026, construction starting 2027
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Summary
County staff said design work for the airport modernization will run through 2026, construction is expected to begin in early 2027 with a planned closure period, and the county is pursuing FAA and discretionary grants (first paving tranche about $10M with potential additional funding).
Pitkin County staff updated the Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 16 about progress on airport modernization, funding prospects and community engagement. Staff said environmental approvals and an airport layout plan are complete, and that design work will continue through 2026 ahead of anticipated construction beginning in 2027.
Ryan and Diane (airport project leads) outlined funding activity: the county has secured an initial FAA paving grant tranche (reported in the meeting as approximately $10 million) and is pursuing further discretionary funding that could total tens of millions of dollars for runway and terminal projects. Staff said a terminal‑grant application is due Jan. 15 and the design team is preparing schematic design after concept selection.
Timing and operations: staff told the board that a month‑long runway closure for major runway work is planned in 2026 (with the aim to reopen for Memorial Day) and that terminal and land‑side construction is expected to intensify in 2027. Staff emphasized the project will follow a decision cadence that includes task‑force review, open houses and community surveys; the project team reported multiple task‑force and open‑house touchpoints and a public survey open through early January.
Why it matters: the modernization will affect travel, construction schedules and local transportation planning; securing federal FAA funds improves the county’s position for terminal grants, staff said. The board heard that project phasing is intended to maintain compliance and funding eligibility while limiting operational disruption.
Quote: “We are in the design phase now, so that'll last through 2026,” one project lead said, summarizing the schedule staff presented to the boards.
Next steps: staff will present concept recommendations in mid‑January task‑force meetings, pursue grant applications this winter, and return with schematic designs and community engagement results through March.
