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.
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, 2003 and again in 2008. The results of the study for Front Range are significant:
| Jobs | Wages | Economic Activity | |
| 2008 | 1,480 | $52 million | $125 million |
| 2003 | 740 | $26 million | $62 million |
| 1998 | 176 | $5 million | $16 million |
