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Pitkin County OKs 50% runway maintenance share; landing fees to rise under 2026 rates
Summary
The BOCC adopted initial airport rates and charges for 2026 using a scenario that applies a $3.4 million (50%) county contribution toward pavement maintenance and raises landing fees to help cover the remainder. Airlines would see a $12.05 per 1,000‑pound landing fee; general aviation $13.76 per 1,000 pounds under staff's Scenario 2.
Pitkin County commissioners voted on Dec. 3 to adopt initial airport rates and charges for 2026, approving a funding scenario in which the county covers half of the immediate pavement maintenance cost and the remainder is reflected in landing fees.
Staff and consultants described two scenarios; commissioners and staff said they preferred "Scenario 2," in which the county contributes roughly $3.4 million (50%) of the pavement maintenance cost this year to reduce immediate pressure on landing fees. Brian Elliott (consultant) explained the calculation that yields a $12.05 per 1,000‑pound landing fee for airlines and a $13.76 per 1,000‑pound landing fee for general aviation under the adopted scenario.
"So there would be kind of that fifty‑fifty share, if you will, of that $6,800,000," Elliott said when outlining the pavement cost allocation. "The resulting rates related to that would be $12.05 for airlines. The GA landing fee would be $13.76 per 1,000 pounds."
Commissioners debated fairness and federal nondiscrimination constraints that limit how different aircraft categories can be charged. Commissioner Francie asked whether higher fees could be targeted at larger private jets; staff noted federal rules require fairness across classes and explained some categories are set by code and airline agreements. With no public comments during the hearing, the board adopted the initial rates and charges reflecting the 50% county share by voice vote.
Staff said the longer‑term solution remains the airport modernization project and that fee structures will continue to evolve as capital work proceeds.
