Pitkin County commissioners approve airport terminal concept book to proceed to schematic design

Pitkin County commissioners unanimously approved the airport terminal modernization concept and programming summary book at their Jan. 28 meeting, clearing the project to move from concept into schematic design.

Deputy county manager Ryan Mahoney and airport director Diane Jackson presented the preferred '2+' concept developed by ZGF and refined through three public meetings and two task forces (terminal and multimodal). Staff said funding prospects are favorable after voter approval of a bond authorization in November and pending FAA runway grants; however, parking, ground access and multimodal integration remain among the project's most significant design and funding questions.

"The design team heard a clear preference for concept 2+ from the public and task forces," Ryan Mahoney told the board, while acknowledging that the ground transportation center and highway interface will require additional coordination with CDOT, the city and neighborhood stakeholders.

Commissioner Francie and others pressed staff to ensure the planning continues to prioritize multimodal solutions — including possible overpasses, bus/shuttle connections, or future gondola/light‑rail options discussed in public comment. Staff emphasized that the terminal design will preserve flexibility for future transportation solutions and that certain space reservations have been included for potential future modalities.

The approval is a single‑reading resolution that advances the terminal project into schematic design and enables the county to start contractual steps (including CMAR selection and lead‑time planning) for runway and terminal sequencing. Staff said they will continue outreach to the Airport Advisory Board, task forces and municipal partners as schematic design proceeds.

Next steps: schematic design, continued public engagement, CMAR procurement and coordination of runway grant schedules.