The Colorado Supreme Court recently upheld, in a 7-0 unanimous vote, the decision of the Colorado Court of Appeals supporting Jefferson County's position that it negotiated in good faith with the BJC Corporation when it did not allow that company to develop property at the Jefferson County airport.   The principles of BJC are owner, Robert L. Wyler and Michael L. Zinna, who claimed to be the company's chief operating officer.

BJC had originally brought the matter before the District Court alleging the county had deprived them of the right to develop property at the airport.  The trial court ruled in favor of the county stating BJC's claim was without merit.  BJC appealed this decision to the Colorado Court of Appeals.  The Appeals Court, in a 3-0 unanimous vote, ruled there was no contract between the county and BJC.

"It is gratifying to know this issue has been resolved once and for all," said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Kevin McCasky. "We remained confident throughout the process that the county was in the right and that BJC did not have any rights to develop land at the airport.  It is unfortunate that we have been forced to spend a large amount of our taxpayers' money to defend the county's position against these frivolous claims.  The Supreme Court's ruling puts an end to this matter and we may take steps to recoup our costs.

"Our airport has an economic impact that exceeds $275 million per year and we intend to continue building on our successes."

The Jefferson County Airport was established in 1960 and has been self-supporting for more than 30 years. It is located at the intersection of U.S. 36 and Wadsworth Blvd. It is Colorado's fourth busiest airport and is one of the crown jewels Jefferson County residents can be proud of.