
FAA Moves Forward with Review of Spaceport Colorado Site in Adams County

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun its 180-day review period on Spaceport Colorado’s Launch Site Operator License at Front Range Airport in Adams County, and the county expects to have a license determination from the FAA by Aug. 19.
Once licensed, Spaceport Colorado’s plans feature a horizontal launch facility to be a hub for commercial space transportation, research, and development as part of a global suborbital transportation network. Future suborbital flights will reduce flight times and make destinations such as Europe, Asia, and South America more accessible from Colorado.
“The FAA review is a significant step in the development of Spaceport Colorado and is a testament to the tireless dedication of Airport Director Dave Ruppel and the board in navigating our path to the first spaceport in the state,” said Mary Hodge, chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners.
Located southeast of Denver International Airport and convenient to Interstate 70, Spaceport Colorado offers hundreds of acres of development opportunities just 40 minutes from downtown Denver.
“Adams County is perfectly positioned geographically and economically to be a leader in the aerospace sector,” said Ruppel. “The FAA review moves us a step closer to having a licensed suborbital facility, and that will attract to the county new and well-paying jobs in aerospace and related industries.”
Spaceport Colorado will accommodate planes making horizontal takeoffs and landings. These planes take off like traditional airplanes using jet fuel, but after clearing the spaceport, rocket boosters launch the craft into suborbital flight. To land, the craft drops out of suborbital flight to land like a traditional airplane. For more information, visit Front Range Airport.

Gov. Polis Orders Flags Lowered to Honor the Passing of Indiana Representative Jackie Walorski
DENVER — Today, Governor Jared Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until midnight August 4, 2022, in honor of the passing of U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski from Indiana, as directed by President Biden. Governor Polis fondly remembers his time serving with Rep. Walorski in the United States Congress and expresses personal feelings and condolences to friends, families, and colleagues.
Westminster Public Schools Approved to Serve as Local Coordinating Organization for Adams County
Adams County, in partnership with Westminster Public Schools, is proud to announce Westminster Public Schools has been approved to act as a Local Coordinating Organization (LCO) for Adams County and provide universal pre-K and support in the early childhood development sector. The new Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) approved the application earlier this week.

Adams County to Host National Association of Counties (NACo) 2022 Annual Conference
Adams County will host approximately 3,000 attendees for the NACo annual conference at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center July 20 – 24.
Gov. Polis Orders Flags Lowered to Honor the Victims of the Shooting in Highland Park, Illinois
DENVER — Governor Jared Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until sunset, July 9, 2022 as a mark of respect for the victims of the acts of violence perpetrated on July 4, 2022 by a gunman at a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois as proclaimed by President Biden.
The text of the President’s proclamation reads:
Riverdale Animal Shelter Free Adoption Event
Riverdale Animal Shelter, like many shelters in the Denver Metro area, has been taking in a higher number of animals this year. To help more adoptable pets at their shelter find loving homes, adoption fees will be waived for pets six months and older Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2.

Prost! Craft Brewing is Moving Their Headquarters to Northglenn
Prost! Craft Brewing is moving their headquarters to Northglenn. With support from Adams County Commissioners and many community partners, this economic development investment will support the revitalization of the Northglenn Marketplace and will be an exciting place for the community to gather.
Prost will not only provide a local entertainment venue, it will bring more jobs to Northglenn and Adams County.
A Tribute to Bob Sakata
Celebrated Colorado grower Bob Sakata, 96, died June 7. Bob was a pillar in the community of Brighton and a long time farmer in the area.
Summer 2022 Photo Contest
Did you capture a great photo in Adams County? It could be featured on an Adams County traffic signal box or in our Adams County publications and website.
This competition is open to all Adams County residents, and photographers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. We are looking for beautiful images captured within the county with an emphasis on landscape and urban settings. You can submit as many high-resolution photographs as you would like. Photographs captured at seven megapixels or larger are required.

Noel Bernal Appointed as Adams County Manager
At a special public hearing on Friday, June 3, the Adams County Board of Commissioners appointed Noel Bernal as County Manager.
Bernal comes from the City of Brownsville, Texas, where he has served as City Manager since 2018. He will start with the county on Monday, Aug. 8.
Gov. Polis Orders Flags Lowered to Honor the Victims of the Shooting in Highland Park, Illinois
DENVER — Today, Governor Jared Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until sunset, July 9, 2022 as a mark of respect for the victims of the acts of violence perpetrated on July 4, 2022 by a gunman at a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois as proclaimed by President Biden.
The text of the President’s proclamation reads: