High-ranking DIA official placed on leave

DENVER - Chief Financial Officer Stan Koniz said he is being targeted for asking questions about a $1 billion airport renovation plan.

Koniz told 9Wants To Know investigative reporter Kyle Clark he was given the choice to resign or be put on investigatory leave.

Koniz refused to quit and was put on leave earlier this week.

DIA spokesman Chuck Cannon said he could not comment on personnel issues. Cannon did say Koniz is not suspected of criminal wrongdoing.

A Denver Police spokeswoman said Koniz is not under investigation.

Koniz said he was told that he was "insubordinate" to DIA Director of Aviation Kim Day.

"I think not being on board with the vision is the problem," Koniz said.

The vision, Koniz said, is Day's plan for a massive airport renovation that could cost upward of $1 billion.

Koniz said Day "totally blindsided" him by asking Denver City Council to approve a $160 million contract to design and oversee the renovation.

City council approved the deal.

"These concepts have been floating around but they've never been finalized," Koniz said. "I knew nothing about these projects before she went to city council."

Koniz questioned the financial sanity of the project.

"We can't afford that," Koniz said. "I was basically told to make it happen somehow."

Koniz said a recent bond issue was tailored to avoid mentioning the renovation plan, as not to spook investors. He said he worried about the prospects for an upcoming bond issue.

To raise the money necessary for the renovations, Koniz said he anticipated increased fees on airlines at DIA, which would then be passed along to customers.

DIA declined to address Koniz's criticisms of the project.