Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Receives $37 Million for Runway Reconstruction
Largest FAA grant received by ASE to date puts 2026 federal funding at nearly $50 million with approximately $82 million anticipated in both 2027 and 2028
PITKIN COUNTY, CO. (September 28, 2026) – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) has received a $37 million Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for construction associated with the airport’s runway reconstruction and relocation project.
The award is the largest single FAA grant received by ASE to date and represents another major step forward in the funding plan for the 2027 runway project.
“This grant marks an important milestone and reflects the FAA’s continued commitment to this critical project,” said Airport Director Diane Jackson. “Every federal dollar we secure supports the long-term safety and reliability of the airport. We will continue working closely with the FAA and our congressional delegation to secure federal financial support throughout the project.”
The overall runway and airfield program is currently budgeted at approximately $269 million. Through ongoing coordination with the FAA, ASE anticipates more than $213 million in federal funding toward eligible airfield program costs over the life of the project.
ASE has already received multiple federal grants supporting the project, including approximately $9.6 million in Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) funding for design, approximately $2.1 million in AIP funding for design and the newly awarded $37 million AIP grant for construction.
“This funding is another important step towards ensuring Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) has the runway it desperately needs,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper. “We’ll keep pushing for additional FAA funding so the airport can continue serving the Western Slope for decades to come.”
FAA grant funding reimburses eligible project expenses as work progresses, including qualifying construction, design, consultant and other project costs. For eligible 2026 grant-funded expenses, the federal share is 95 percent, with ASE responsible for the remaining 5 percent. Additional limited state funding will be provided by CDOT.
“I am glad to see this critical investment of $37 million into the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. “As a vital connection and economic engine for the region, this funding will allow the airport to improve its infrastructure and respond to the future needs of the Roaring Fork Valley community.”
Current funding projections anticipate approximately $49 million in federal reimbursement in 2026, with approximately $82 million anticipated in both 2027 and 2028. Future awards remain subject to the federal grant process.
“Airports like Aspen/Pitkin County Airport are critical pieces of infrastructure for communities across Western Colorado, connecting our region to the rest of the country and supporting our local economies,” said U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd. “This $37 million federal investment will help Pitkin County move forward with an important runway project and make a significant investment in the airport’s future. I’m glad to see these federal dollars coming back to Colorado’s Third District, and I look forward to continuing to work with Pitkin County and local leaders as this project moves forward.”
The runway reconstruction is scheduled for 2027 and will rebuild, widen and shift the existing runway to meet current FAA design standards. ASE is scheduled to close Sunday, April 4, 2027, at 11 p.m. and reopen Friday, Nov. 19, 2027, at 7 p.m.
Construction and enabling work are already underway in preparation for the runway project.
“We’ve put a lot of time and effort into maintaining relationships with our federal delegation and we are so grateful for their support,” said Pitkin County Commissioner Patti Clapper. “We have also been working to create strong relationships with federal staff members.”
For more information about the Airport Modernization Program and the 2027 runway reconstruction, visit aspenairport.com/modernization.