Pitkin County approves RAFTA lease for Brush Creek Park & Ride with cleanup to exhibits

Pitkin County commissioners approved March 25 a lease allowing the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RAFTA) to operate transit services on the recently acquired Brush Creek Park & Ride site, with staff committing to finalize outstanding appendices and clarify maintenance responsibilities prior to execution.

Brian Pett, the county's public works director, said the county now owns roughly 27.5 acres in fee simple and that the lease clarifies RAFTA's ongoing transit operations at the property. Pett told the board the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that originally defined maintenance responsibilities will remain in place but the new lease and referenced Appendix C may specify different maintenance obligations; staff will reconcile the documents before signatures.

The board moved and approved the lease action with the understanding that staff will deliver cleaned-up exhibits and consistent maintenance language before final execution.

Why it matters: Securing a long-term lease clarifies operations for public transit at a key park-and-ride and sets county responsibility for property stewardship following a transfer of ownership.

The board approved the motion to adopt the lease with subsequent cleanup of exhibits and maintenance language to occur prior to signature.