Adams County Board of Commissioners announced its decision to adopt Front Range Airport into the county’s departmental services structure.

The decision to transfer control of the publicly owned airport from the Front Range Airport Authority to Adams County brings valuable stability, resources and accountability to Front Range Airport, said Board Chair Eva J. Henry.

“Adams County is making a decisive move to ensure the long-term success of Front Range Airport,” Henry said. “This new structure provides long-term stability for Front Range Airport businesses, as well as the customers who rely on those businesses. Employees will benefit from the airport’s increased economic stability and the county’s employee benefit program. The move also makes it possible to operate the airport more economically by streamlining airport services with existing county services.”

The new structure provides a more transparent accounting of county resources. The adoption also creates an avenue for Front Range Airport to operate more efficiently by using the county’s operational resources, such as finance, communications, and technical services as the Front Range Airport transforms into a self-sustaining economic hub of the county.

An Airport Advisory Board will be assembled to provide recommendations to the county commissioners, county manager and airport director on the strategic direction of the airport. Members will include representation from airport tenants, aviation professionals, on- and off-airport business owners, and marketing professionals, as well as others deemed critical to the success of the airport. The county is taking steps to ensure a smooth transition by beginning the search for an airport director this week.

The Airport Advisory Board will provide strategic direction, including development of the spaceport. The Adams County Board of Commissioners fully supports Front Range Airport’s efforts to obtain a license from the Federal Aviation Administration for a Spaceport designation, which will transform the airport into a hub for future commercial space transportation, research, and development.

Front Range Airport is a general aviation airport located 19 miles east of Denver, on 3,900 acres of land in Watkins, Colorado. The airport is considered a potential spaceport site that would serve as a hub to aerospace and space tourism industries.