The purpose of
Airport Solutions Update
is to keep the public informed about the ongoing efforts to improve air service at Friedman Memorial Airport and to pursue
a replacement airport.
Our goal, as always, is to uphold our commitment to the public to be open, accessible and as transparent as possible.

 

Updates are posted on IFLYSUN.COM
and sent out via email when new information is available.   

 

*NOTE: Items marked with an asterisk have occurred since the last FMAA meeting and will be briefed at the next meeting.  

March 25, 2013

  

 

Improvements to Friedman Memorial Airport - The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated that FMA has design deficiencies that, if not remedied, could result in the reduction or elimination of some air service.  As such, FMAA partnered with the FAA to study ways to meet the design standards for aircraft that use the airport currently (C-II and C-III). The team has identified a plan to meet congressional safety area requirement and is currently in the process of implementing it.

Latest Updates:

  • The FMAA Board approved a revised scope of work for the Runway Safety Area Improvements Project.
  • The FMAA board authorized airport staff to process an Airport Improvement Project (AIP) grant to support the scope of work. If approved, this grant will cover 93.75% of costs associated with these efforts.
  • The goal is to begin construction this fall.
 

Pursuit of a replacement airport- A replacement airport is likely the best long-term solution for air service to this community.  Critical components in the replacement airport process would include locating a feasible site, building community support, identifying and developing funding sources and evaluating operational feasibility.

  

Latest Updates:
  • FAA regulations require significant progress be initiated within three years of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Final Decision, or the determination expires. 
  • Because FMAA now considers a replacement airport a long-term solution, the Board voted to terminate the EIS in an effort to preserve as much work product, data and analysis as possible from the project.

  • The FMAA agreed that once the Runway Safety Area Improvements Project Formulation work is complete, they will begin discussing a replacement airport site selection process with the FAA.  The likely time frame for the discussion is October 2013.

   

 General Updates

  • The following new officers were elected to two year terms at the March 12 FMAA meeting
    • Chairman - Ron Fairfax
    • Vice Chairman - Susan McBryant
    • Secretary - Larry Schoen
    • Treasurer - Jacob Greenberg

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More

  • Coffee Talk - Q&A with Airport Manager Rick Baird and Communications Director, Candice Pate
    • Monday, March 25, 7:30-9AM, Shorty's Diner, Hailey
  • Airport Tour - see the challenges first hand
    • Tuesday, March 26, 5:30-7PM. Space is limited, email Cecilia@flyfma.com to reserve your spot.