Pitkin County boards weigh $6.5M river bonds, airport grants, and Raceway Drive development
Pitkin County's Board of County Commissioners has a packed two weeks, with agendas covering up to $6.5 million in sales tax revenue bonds for river and stream projects, a proposed $50 million FAA grant for runway modernization, and continued review of the Raceway Drive development in Woody Creek. Because minutes have not yet been published for any recent meeting, the items below reflect what was scheduled for consideration, not confirmed outcomes.
BOCC: Bonds, water rights, and airport financing
On July 8, the BOCC regular meeting agenda included issuance of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, not to exceed $6,500,000 for the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund. The same agenda listed an ordinance authorizing acquisition of shares in the Twin Lakes Reservoir & Canal Company, supplemental appropriations to the 2026 budget for that water-rights acquisition, a grant agreement with BJA Paul under the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program for the Pitkin County Clear Program, and a subdivision final plat for the NMP Residence Trust / SEP Residence Trust.
On July 14, the BOCC scheduled a special meeting to vote on entering executive session to discuss airport terminal financing and regulatory compliance, the Aspen Motorsports Park / Woody Creek Raceway land-use application (PLAN.3018.2026), and a potential water rights sale. A work session following the executive session included presentations on Prince Creek Road safety with Andrew Knapp and airport parking rates and fees with Ryan Mahoney, Diane Jackson, and Liz Woods.
On July 15, the BOCC conducted a site visit for an application by Mount Adams Capital, LLC and Aspen Racing and Sports Car Club at 550 Raceway Drive, Woody Creek. The agenda covered a major amendment to a development permit, restoration or expansion of non-conforming structures, a Growth Management Quota System (GMQS) allotment for commercial development, and options to defray employee housing impact fees. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled to continue July 22.
July 22 BOCC meeting: Up to $50M FAA grant and Raceway Fun denial
The July 22 BOCC regular meeting agenda includes authorizing submission of an FAA Airport Improvement Program application and acceptance of up to $50,000,000 for Runway 13-33 modernization at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. A separate item would authorize the chair to sign an FAA grant of $2,104,034 for Runway 15/33 shift partial design. The agenda also lists supplemental appropriations for water-rights acquisition, the Twin Lakes acquisition ordinance, and a resolution denying the Raceway Fun, LLC application for restoration or expansion of a non-conforming structure and related land-use changes.
Board of Adjustment: Holland Hills variance
The Board of Adjustment agenda for July 7 listed a single item: a rear yard setback variance request from 198 Holland Hills LLC. No other substantive items were scheduled.
Hearing Officer: Aspen Land LLC review
On July 14, the Hearing Officer was scheduled to conduct a site visit and formal meeting to review the Aspen Land LLC activity envelope and site plan, plus a special review and GMQS exemption for a TDR receiver site associated with Tami Kochen.
Airport modernization groundbreaking
A ceremonial groundbreaking for the ASE Airport Modernization project was held July 15 at the Airport Operations Center, 1001 Owl Creek Road, Aspen. The agenda listed speeches and photo opportunities, with no formal decisions scheduled.
Board of Health: Behavioral health, Lincoln Creek, housing
The Board of Health met July 16 for an informational session. Agenda items included a training session with Katie Waters, MPH; an epidemiology update by Carly Senst; a Lincoln Creek environmental health update by Kurt Dahl; a behavioral health strategic plan discussion by Lindsay Branham; and a presentation on Pitkin County housing initiatives by Andrew Miller. No voting items were listed.
Other meetings
The July 7 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was canceled. The Telecommunications Advisory Board met July 8 to consider approving April 8, 2026 minutes and receive an engineering report. The Senior Services Council met July 15 at the Senior Center and via Google Meet for reports only, with the next session set for August 19, 2026.
Coming up
- **July 21** — Hearing Officer meeting: canceled.
- **July 21** — Planning & Zoning Commission meeting: canceled.
- **July 22** — BOCC Regular Meeting: up to $50 million FAA grant for runway modernization, $2,104,034 FAA grant for Runway 15/33 shift design, water-rights appropriations, Twin Lakes acquisition ordinance, and a resolution to deny the Raceway Fun, LLC application. A continued public hearing on the 550 Raceway Drive development is also expected.