Runway Safety Area Improvements Project      

• Modifications of Standards (MOS) have been approved by all FAA lines of business.   The final signed documents have been received and are on file at the Airport.
• At the November FMAA Board meeting there were discussions about possible land acquisition to facilitate a standard taxiway system at the north end of the airfield. Airport staff was instructed to gather more information regarding a potential purchase and after doing so, it appears the owners of the adjacent land have no interest in selling. There are potential acceptable solutions that do not involve land acquisition and discussions regarding this continue with the FAA.
• With Project One shut down for the winter, it is "full speed ahead" on planning for Project Two of the RSA Improvements Project. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done before construction begins in the spring. A Scope of Work was approved at the December 3 FMAA meeting. Next steps include:
  • Negotiating fees for T-O Engineering effort
  • Designing Project Two which includes a number of major improvements to the airfield, such as relocating and extending Taxiway B, removing Taxiway A and grading the Runway Safety Area.
  • Prequalification process for possible contractors
  • Conducting the bid process
• Additional projects planned for 2014 include:
  • Reconstructing the apron area north of the terminal.
  • Terminal additions and reconfiguration.
  • Construction of a new Airport Operations Building, which will house snow removal equipment maintenance, aircraft rescue and firefighting and airport administrative functions.
  • Constructing an area for replacement hangars at the north end of the airfield.
• 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 scheduled for 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.