The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority (FMAA) has encountered a significant impediment in the long-time effort to improve air service for the Wood River Valley in Central Idaho by siting and constructing a replacement airport.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended work indefinitely on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a replacement airport based primarily on the increased cost of the project and the impacts to the wildlife, particularly sage grouse.  

The FMAA Board and staff will be working with the FAA to consider alternatives to the sites previously under consideration.  For the time being Friedman Memorial Airport will continue to operate as it has, however the FAA's determination that the current airport does not meet operational and reliability standards has not changed.    This overriding objective of the replacement airport project remains the same: ensuring that a fully compliant, reliable air field exists that can serve the long-term commercial and general aviation needs of the community.  Below is some updated information concerning the next Airport Authority board meeting, as well as various documents the FAA has released regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Friedman Memorial Airport Authority regular meeting

The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority has been rescheduled to September 13, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wood River Middle School Multipurpose Room No. 860, Hailey, Idaho.  FAA Representatives will be present to discuss the Draft EIS Suspension.

FAA Letter to Rick Baird

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced their indefinite suspension of any work on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Sun Valley Replacement Airport.  This letter announces and explains the suspension of the DEIS.

FAQ Regarding Suspension of DEIS

The Federal Aviation Administration has released an FAQ document regarding the suspension of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Sun Valley Replacement Airport.

FAA White Paper on EIS

Written prior to the suspension of the EIS, this white paper provides additional justification and support for the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority's request of additional federal participation in the replacement airport project.  The paper examines the purpose and need of the replacement airport, the unique regional perspective, and the FMAA's commitment to the project.