Colorado Aeronautical Board

The Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB) is a state-level body that oversees aviation development throughout Colorado ^[6]. It operates within the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and provides direction to the Division of Aeronautics ^[1.6]. The board consists of nine voting members and one non-voting representative from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ^[1.13]. Its legal mandate includes establishing policies for statewide aviation growth and managing the Colorado Aviation Fund ^[1.10]. The board also administers a discretionary grant program to support infrastructure and safety at 76 public-use airports ^[1.7]. It reports its budgetary recommendations and aviation needs to the state's Transportation Commission ^[1.10].

Historical Background

The Colorado General Assembly created the Colorado Aeronautical Board by statute in 1988 to manage aviation interests ^[1.6]. In 1991, subsequent legislation established a funding model using taxes from aviation fuel sales rather than general state funds ^[1.7]. This move allowed the board to develop a self-sustaining aviation system focused on infrastructure and safety ^[1.2]. In 2003, Senate Bill 49 expanded the board's authority by continuously appropriating fuel tax dollars into the Aviation Fund ^[1.9]. Recent 2024 legislation, House Bill 24-1235, increased the board's voting membership from seven to nine ^[1.13]. This change aimed to better represent communities impacted by airport noise and traffic ^[1.13].

Current Events

On January 27, 2026, the board approved over $9 million in discretionary grants for infrastructure projects at 20 airports ^[1.2]. These funds support pavement maintenance, snow removal equipment, and airfield lighting ^[1.2]. In February 2026, the board authorized an additional $442,422 for aviation education and workforce development programs ^[1.3]. These grants benefit 15 organizations, including the Archuleta School District for high school ground school training ^[1.4]. In March 2026, the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee recommended three nominees—Gigi Dennis, Brianna Lehman, and Leslie Sumi—for board positions ^[1.5]. The board scheduled a special executive session for March 26, 2026, to discuss legal questions regarding grant applicant certifications ^[1.6].