The purpose of the Airport is to be an "Economic Engine" for
eastern Adams County. The Airport opened in 1984 with a vision that included cargo and
general aviation.
During the early 1990's the Airport received federal and county funds to build a cargo airport. However, the cargo bubble burst in 1993 and the result was a general aviation airport that was land-rich (2/3 the size of the old Stapleton International Airport) and had a runway system well beyond the current or future needs of its customer base. To make matters worse the aviation community considered Front Range Airport as "Too Far from the Metropolitan Area".
Beginning 1994 the Airport was given a mandate to "Operate Like a Business" and achieve a reputation as being "General Aviation Friendly." Operating like a business paid off as the Airport's viability was recognized and the private sector began to invest in the Airport. Private investment now outpaces public investment.
In addition to being the Social Center of the I-70 Corridor, the Airport is well on its way of achieving the initial goal of being an "Economic Engine" for Eastern Adams County. CDOT-Division of Aeronautics conducted a state-wide economic impact study in 1998 and again in 2003. The results of the study for Front Range were significant:
| 1998 Study | 2003 Study | % change | |
| jobs | 176 | 740 | 320.5% |
| wages | $4.6 million | $26 million | 466.9% |
| Economic Activity | $16.3 million | $62.6 million | 284.4% |
A milestone meeting took place September 11, 1997, when over sixty stakeholders came together to review the history of the Airport and discuss its future. The stakeholders articulated a vision for Airport in the form of a Mission Statement and defined key goals for its growth.
Mission Statement:
The Front Range Airport Authority will not seek regularly scheduled passenger service. The future expansion will be directed to General Aviation and Air Cargo. Incremental expansion based on growing use by General Aviation will continue to be the focus of the Front Range Airport.
See full Mission Statement - [47K PDF File - view | download]
In addition to the "Mission Statement" three primary goals were established, but the funds to accomplish them were not identified:
Goal 1
Through a public/private partnership a four mile section of 56th Avenue between Monagahan
and Imboden and one mile between 56th and 48th on Imboden was completed a paved road.
Adams County, the City of Aurora and TransPort shared the $3.9 million cost. The project
was completed December 2002, giving the Airport the ability to connect general aviation
passengers to schedule airlines at DIA in 25 minutes. The road will also become a
growth corridor for cargo between the two airports.
Goal 2
Hangar construction began with the first private investment in 1995. A total of 29 hangar
projects have been completed to date, totaling over $17 million in private investment.
The first large hangar was constructed in 2003 and additional Group II hangars (large) will
be developed in Module #2. Infrastructure development is underway on the 40 acre development,
with the first 20 acre phase. (hangar map - [108K PDF File - view | download])
Goal 3
October 6, 1999 the Front Range Airport entered into a Contract Airport Traffic Control
Tower Operating Agreement, with the FAA.
October 29, 2001, $500,000 in funding was pledged in conjunction with the approval of a 2,000' radio/TV tower, 27 miles N/NE of the Front Range Airport.
March 14, 2001, the Front Range Airport Authority approved an Air Traffic Control Tower Siting Study Update. March 4, 2002 the Authority accepted a $950,000 loan from CDOT-Division of Aeronautics for the ATCT project.
August 14, 2002, the Authority and URS Corporation executed an Architectural Design Agreement for $285,000 to design the ATCT.
November 19, 2003, Congressman Beauprez called to tell the Airport that $2.92 million had been allocated for the construction of the Front Range Airport ATCT.
June 9, 2004, the Authority approved a Construction Agreement with Hensel Phelps Construction Co. for the construction of the ATCT for a cost of $4,556,155.
December 10, 2004, Congressman Beauprez took part in a "Topping Out" Ceremony, which included lighting a Christmas tree 200' on top of the ATCT. The 15 foot ceremonial Christmas tree was harvested from the Airport's tree farm.
Hensel Phelps completed the tower May 12, 2005 and turned it over to the Airport for final completion, which includes federal and non-federal communication equipment, security equipment and training for the operation and maintenance of the structure.
June 25, 2005 the tower will be dedicated and operated by DIA controllers for the two day, Rocky Mountain Region EAA Fly-In.
July 1, 2005 FAA Contract Tower Operators will report for duty and begin a certification process.
August 1, 2005 the Front Range Airport ATCT will be fully operational seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Airport celebrated its 20th Anniversary June 2004, which is an important milestone. Based on the history of Centennial and Jeffco Airports, growth accelerates after twenty years. The reason is time to develop the necessary infrastructure on the airport as well as significant development adjacent to the airport.
Front Range has the necessary infrastructure in place, a direct connection to DIA, aggressive hangar development and adjacent TransPort development. The construction of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is the most significant project on the Airport since the construction of the north/south runway 17/35.
