Pitkin County commissioners have approved an airport layout plan for the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport that includes construction of a new terminal and runway upgrades to make way for larger aircraft.
The Aspen Times reports the plan approved by commissioners Wednesday still awaits approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, which could take up to two years.
The county is looking to upgrade the airport mainly to allow larger aircraft to serve Sardy Field. The airline industry is phasing out CRJ700s, which are widely used by the airport and projected to be retired by 2025. An improved, widened runway would allow for larger aircraft, which could potentially include 737s.
The estimated cost of the proposed terminal, runway widening and new above-ground parking lot would total about $145 million.
