AIRPORT: Must take front seat

After attending the airport workshop last Wednesday night, I have a few thoughts on the land use and future of the airport.

Living in the county for more than 35 years, I have seen many changes, some good and others that should have required more thought. Let’s face it, the airport is here to stay. Tourism is a big part of the local economy and development around the airport needs to take a back seat to the needs and requirements of the airport as outlined and required by the state, FAA and federal not to mention the funding for future improvements.

As for the traffic study for more traffic flow north and south, just make Highway 41 a four-lane from Post Falls to Rathdrum and forget about Huetter and Ramsey.

I think the best way to move forward is to have the airport group define the airport boundary as they need out for the next say 20 years and make that the final layout and have the developers live with it. The airport must take the front seat when it comes to safety for both the aircraft and the community around the airport. If it takes a longer runway for larger aircraft in the future, now is the time to extend the east/west safety zone and give the aircraft room in case of an emergency. The city of Hayden will grow no doubt but it will need to find some alternative land such as north of Prairie between Meyer and 41 for example.

RON DAYTON

Athol