The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session on May 22, 2025, to discuss the ongoing developments at the local airport. The meeting focused on the progress of the airport terminal project, including design, funding, and environmental reviews.

The session began with a discussion about the airport's layout, specifically the positioning of private pilots on the West Side and the accessibility of services on the East Side. Commissioners noted that while current arrangements would remain largely unchanged, future considerations, such as the potential addition of a Verti Port, were still under evaluation.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed terminal size, estimated at 90,000 square feet. This figure aligns with recommendations from previous community consultations, although final decisions will depend on design considerations and community feedback. The planning phase has been completed, and the airport has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, marking a crucial milestone in the project.

The meeting also addressed the environmental review process, which is currently on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. The team is following FAA guidelines to ensure compliance and is simultaneously working on financial planning for the project. This includes evaluating various funding sources and preparing to solicit proposals for a financial advisor to assist with bond issuance.

As the design phase progresses, the county plans to engage a construction manager at risk to oversee pre-construction and construction activities. The timeline for these developments indicates that while significant progress has been made, there is still a considerable amount of work ahead before the project reaches completion.

In conclusion, the BOCC's work session highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the airport facilities in Pitkin County, with a clear focus on community involvement, environmental compliance, and financial planning as the project moves forward. The next steps will involve finalizing design agreements and continuing to monitor funding sources as the project develops.