Braun: Thoughtfully invest in Aspen airport infrastructure

Aspen’s allure has always been its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic vibrancy.

Yet, this vibrancy has brought challenges, particularly in housing affordability and maintaining a community-centric spirit. It’s clear we must balance growth with the preservation of our unique character and accessibility for our workforce.

The airport expansion is not merely about accommodating bigger jets; it’s about ensuring Aspen remains accessible, safe, and economically viable.

Here’s why:

1. Safety and Modernization: The current runway configuration was designed decades ago and no longer meets modern safety standards. Upgrading it is essential for ensuring safe operations, particularly in challenging mountain conditions.

2. Economic Stability: The airport is a lifeline for our economy, facilitating tourism, business travel, and providing critical connections for residents. Maintaining and enhancing this infrastructure is necessary to support local businesses and the broader community.

3. Community Investment: Rejecting federal support for the airport expansion could lead to significant financial burdens on our local government and taxpayers. We can leverage federal funds to ensure our infrastructure meets current needs and future demands without disproportionately impacting local resources.

4. Sustainable Growth: We recognize the need to manage growth sustainably. However, halting progress on critical infrastructure will not solve the affordability crisis. Instead, we should focus on comprehensive strategies, including affordable housing initiatives, that address the root causes of economic disparity.

Aspen’s evolution is inevitable, but it does not have to come at the cost of our community’s soul. By thoughtfully investing in our infrastructure, we can ensure that Aspen remains a place where people want to live, work, and visit.

Debbie Braun

Aspen