ASE Modernization Update: July 2025
The goal of the voter-approved Airport Modernization Program is to improve safety, enhance traveler experience, and advance environmental sustainability at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). The Program’s centerpiece is a new passenger terminal that will reflect the community-led and values-driven “Common Ground Recommendations” developed during the multi-year ASE Vision process and adopted by the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in Dec. 2020.
Meg Haynes, Vice-Chair of the Airport Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of past, present and future community involvement. “After many years of community conversations and planning, we are finally ready to talk about creating a new terminal that reflects our shared values and the Common Ground Recommendations.” Two community groups are being formed to support the design process and community outreach, a Terminal Design Task Force and Ground Transportation Task Force. Each group will be Co-Chaired by two members of the Airport Advisory Board.
Project Timeline and Milestones
Anticipated over a five-year period, from 2025 to 2029, the phased project schedule is designed to minimize impacts to travelers, residents, and local businesses.
The plan is to limit full closure of the runway to one construction season, currently scheduled to begin Spring of 2027. This accelerated construction schedule is ambitious and will require significant resource commitments to complete the runway reconstruction by the end of 2027. To reduce air service interruptions, operations will be phased from the existing terminal into the new terminal. Construction of the new terminal is anticipated to be completed in 2029, at which time the existing terminal will be demolished. Once the new runway is complete, there will no longer be a need for extended annual airport closures for runway pavement maintenance. In 2023, 2024 and 2025, the airport was completely closed for roughly a month each spring to make the required airfield repairs.
Estimated Cost and Financial Planning
The total program cost is estimated at approximately $520 million at this time. This planning level cost estimate will continue to be refined as the design of the project advances, but underscores the complexity and size of the airport redevelopment effort. Some project components are eligible for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding; for example, the runway project may receive up to 90% of the airfield project cost. Outside funding and revenue from the Fixed Base Operator private aviation lease will offset the amount of debt and local funding required from the existing airport enterprise fund. No tax increases will be considered for this project.
As the project’s financial plan is further developed, bond financing for the new passenger terminal will be explored. Before any decisions are made related to bond issuance and an associated ballot question, additional legal and finance counsel will be retained.
Next Steps
The Board of County Commissioners will continue to balance the need for additional resources with the strong oversight required to safeguard such a large investment. Substantial planning is underway to manage the many interconnected elements of this complex project and minimize impacts to residents, travelers, local businesses, and wildlife. Throughout the process, the Airport Advisory Board, as the community liaison, will continue to recommend actions to the County Commissioners, as well as oversee design task forces and community involvement. ASE is committed to delivering you to an extraordinary experience in an extraordinary place, focused on a healthy and safe environment.