Airport Solutions - New      

 
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.  

October 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 by the December 31, 2015 deadline and is currently in the process of implementing it.

Runway Safety Area Improvements Project    

 
  • The RSA Improvements project officially broke ground on Tuesday, October 1. First up is paving of the overlay and access road, with work on the gates and taxilanes next on the list.
  • Airport staff and engineers have finalized a funding needs plan by year for the RSA Improvements project. The nearly 2.5 year project will cost approximately $34M with the FAA's 93.75% match coming in at $28.1M. Airport funds will cover $2.3M and third parties (hangar relocations, Forest Service, etc.) will cover the remaining $3.6.
  • The Board will be presented with a five-year capital improvement program at the November meeting.
  • All six Modifications of Standards (MOS) have been approved by FAA headquarters and are now back at the Northwest Mountain Region for final approval.
  • As a reminder, the RSA Improvements Project will require two airport closures of approximately one month each in late April and early May of 2014 and 2015. The projected closure dates for 2014 are April 28 - May 22 (re-opening in time for Memorial Day weekend).
 
 

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.

 

  • Master planning/site selection discussion will take place at the November board meeting.
  • Airport staff is working with the FAA to preserve as much information gathered in the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) as possible. FMAA requested formal termination of the EIS this spring.

 

Improvements to Air Service:

  • The Department of Transportation has awarded SUN a $500,000 Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant to pursue new nonstop air service that allows better eastern connectivity.  The Board wishes to thank Fly Sun Valley Alliance, Sun Valley Company and the numerous businesses and community organizations that were instrumental in completing the grant application.

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More

 

  • Coffee Talk - Q&A with Airport Manager Rick Baird and Communications Director, Candice Pate
    • Tuesday, October 29, 7:30-9AM Konditorei in Sun Valley 

     

  • Airport Tour - see the challenges first hand
    • Wednesday, October 30, 5:00-6:30PM. Space is limited, email Cecilia@flyfma.com to reserve your spot. 

 
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