A decade after a city audit flagged a critical lack of preventive maintenance at Denver International Airport, the City Council has authorized a significant financial injection to fix the problem.
The council recently adopted a resolution amending an on-call contract with Hensel Phelps Construction Co., adding $2 million to the agreement. This boost raises the total contract value to $4 million and extends the timeline for airside facility repairs through April 11, 2026.
The funding targets the airport's airside infrastructure—the runways, taxiways, and aprons where aircraft operate. A 2020 City Audit Report previously warned that DEN lacked a comprehensive preventive maintenance program, resulting in a growing backlog of necessary repairs. This contract amendment directly addresses those findings by securing the resources needed for ongoing facility upkeep.
This financial commitment comes as the airport aggressively pursues infrastructure improvements to attract new industrial and commercial tenants. The move follows the loss of a major $475 million Coca-Cola bottling plant project, which had been expected to anchor economic development in the area. By stabilizing maintenance operations, city officials aim to present a more reliable image to potential developers.
The contract specifically covers airside maintenance and repair services at the airport, located in Council District 11. The amendment ensures that Hensel Phelps remains the primary partner for these critical tasks, allowing the city to respond quickly to wear and tear without bidding out every minor repair.
Residents and stakeholders can review the full details of the approved resolution on the Denver city portal.