Runway Safety Area Improvements Project    

• Phase 1 of the construction project is moving along well with only few more elements left to be completed this fall before construction resumes in the spring.
• Documentation of final approval of six Modifications of Standards (MOS) from FAA headquarters is expected this month. Delays have been attributed to the government shutdown.
• The FMAA Board agreed to initiate a pre-qualification process for contractors bidding on Phase 2 of the project.
• Design plans for the terminal modifications and new Snow Removal Equipment/ARFF building continue to be refined. At the FAA's request, Airport Staff and engineers are developing appropriate justification for these projects.
• FMAA Board instructed Airport Staff to explore the possibility of purchasing a small parcel of land adjacent to the North end of the runway to mitigate FAA concerns about an angled portion of the parallel taxiway. It is still unclear if this will be necessary or if other solutions could address FAA concerns.
• 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.

 

• At the November meeting, the FMAA Board unanimously agreed it is time to embark on a master planning process to further define the future of air service for the Wood River Valley. The master plan will serve primarily as a guide for maintaining and improving Friedman to meet safety, regulatory and user needs for the foreseeable future. The Master Plan will include a chapter that explores potential sites and anticipated costs for a replacement airport.
• The Board hopes to be under contract and to begin master planning late winter. The process is likely to take 12-18 months.
• Mead & Hunt has been selected to continue doing the airport's on call planning services including the Master Plan. Next steps are development of a scope of work with them.