Myths/Facts

MYTH: CABP is against updating the ASE airport.
FACT: There are 14 different projects of the Airport Layout Plan: See Pitkin County Modernization projects Here. CABP is only AGAINST one of them: #12 which will allow for wingspans over the current '95 feet limit.

MYTH: The Airlines are asking for BIGGER planes to land at ASE.
FACT: As the CRJ700 is NOT being retired & SkyWest in their Q3 '23 Quarterly Earnings Report announced an upgraded fleet with purchase of 19 - EA 175s (wingspans under 95 feet). So there is no rationale for needing to increase the runway for bigger planes.

MYTH: ASE will lose FAA Federal Funding.
FACT: We will not lose federal funding: Read the article here.

Expansion not needed for FAA funding: "During the ASE Vision process, when advocating for a wider runway, airport expansion supporters said that 150 feet was needed to keep the airport safe. Now the FAA is saying only 100 feet is needed to be safe. why is that?"
-Valerie Braun, Airport Advisory Board.

MYTH: Why is CABP pushing for a VOTE, this whole thing is a "done" deal.
FACT: Citizens, like us, can VOTE on the airport expansion in November if we click below to DEMAND the VOTE.

MYTH: The runway expansion is what Pitkin County voters and residents are asking for.
FACT: Per an independent March 2024 poll, up to 63% of Pitkin County voters oppose the runway expansion.

MYTH: The expansion is in the best interests of the Roaring Fork Community.
FACT: The expansion violates Aspen Core Community Goals: Read the article here.

MYTH: The expansion will have no impact on the future of the Roaring Fork Valley.
FACT: The expansion and redevelopment of the Aspen Airport will be the most expensive and consequential of decisions for the future of the Roaring Fork Valley given the implications to traffic, lift lines, housing, pollution and overall quality of life.

MYTH: There will be no impact on the Roaring Fork Valley with regards to traffic and congestion on Highway 82.
FACT: There has been no analysis of the impact to traffic completed by the Pitkin County Board of County commissions, and the traffic issues 82 faces are paramountly clear before more people start flying in on bigger planes.

MYTH: Air quality and noise will not increase with BIGGER planes like Boeing 737s and Gulfstream G650.
FACT: There has been no analysis of the impact of air quality, of pollution and of particulates which has been completed by the Pitkin County Board of County Commissions. This is especially concerning for critical areas such as Buttermilk's ski area where our children congregate and for local residents living in close proximity to the airport

MYTH: The growth path has been accounted for in terms of water needs, sewage, and hospital capacity.
FACT: There has been no analysis of the impact to water, sewage and hospital capacity completed by the Pitkin County Board of County Commissions.

MYTH: This will be the LAST massive growth the County Commissioners push through that will impact infrastructure, and growth of the Roaring Fork Valley.
FACT: Based on historical data and past history, this is unlikely.