New iteration evolves to reflect community, climate, and safety aspirations
ASPEN, COLO. (May 2, 2024) - The revised Airport Layout Plan (ALP) received four yes and one no vote to progress toward submission to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This updated version of the ALP which includes a shift in the runway to the west, will abide by FAA regulations and will be further developed to incorporate all other community suggestions, referred to as the Common Ground Recommendations. These recommendations are centered around a set of core goals developed by the community and adopted by the BOCC in 2020. On March 12, at the first reading, the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Airport Advisory Board (AAB) requested this alternative ALP continue to move forward.
“This resolution today regarding the updated ALP, uses the ASE Vision resolution as the north star, specifically the focuses of – safety, in the air and on the ground; reducing greenhouse gasses and other pollutants; managing growth of airline enplanements; and reducing noise by at least 30 percent,” said Jon Peacock, Pitkin County manager.
Shifting the runway’s centerline 80 feet to the west, rather than the taxiway, addresses aging airfield pavement faster; eliminating the county’s obligation to fund an expensive relocation and reconstruction of the airport’s air traffic control tower; and addressing additional airfield concerns from the FAA. At a January meeting, the FAA told county and airport staff members that a new air traffic control tower, estimated to be at least 100 feet high and cost $100 million, would be required if a taxiway shift occurred because such a shift would dislocate the existing tower. In addition, the airport’s airfield pavement is rapidly deteriorating and needs complete reconstruction – a significant project that would require a major airport closure. The serious condition of the runway wasn’t a factor when the community settled on its aspirations, which included shifting the taxiway instead of the runway.
“Safety is number one on everyone’s list, this community feels like this isn’t negotiable, complying with federal regulations, ensures both our community’s goals, but also our funding.” said Patti Clapper, Pitkin County Commissioner.
A shift on the airfield is needed to create more separation (400 feet) between the runway and taxiway – a safety standard the FAA is requiring for ASE to become a Design Group III airport. Right now, ASE operates with several FAA exceptions known as Modifications of Standards. The airport must comply with the FAA’s requirements to make good on past Grant Assurance Obligations and to receive future funding from the federal government, which is needed to pay for major planned projects such as the reconstruction of the airfield and a new terminal. Elected officials and the airport must move quickly in gaining local and federal approvals for an updated ALP to be able to apply for funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the nation’s largest-ever federal investment in public infrastructure.
Media contact: Abbie Cheney, abbie.cheney@pitkincounty.com