$39M estimate for airport relocation in Madison County

A hefty price tag for a big decision: $39 million is the estimate a consulting firm has calculated for relocating the Rexburg-Madison County airport. City engineer Keith Davidson said every year the city submits a plan to the Federal Aviation Administration. The plan consists of two studies being conducted by an engineering firm from Wyoming. One takes a look at the maintenance of the current airport. The other takes a look at what it would cost to build one in a new location.

Rexburg City Councilman Christopher Mann said some people complain about the roughly 420-foot runway. Mann said with the river located at the end of the runway will make it difficult to extend due to environmental concerns.

“When we talk about a relocation of the airport we are not talking about a relocation of the runway. We have determined that we cannot extend the runway. The FAA has told us that it is probably a no go, so for economic development if we wanted to expand the airport we are going to have to move to a new neighborhood. Hopefully it’s one that is not next to us a bunch of homes,” said Mann.

Davidson said the study should provide the city and county with answers to many of their questions.

“The firm takes estimates of what it might cost to build a new airport in a new location. The firm will also look at the cost for purchasing ground, new facilities, asphalt, the runway and all the amenities that go with it,” said Davidson.

Davidson said if the study comes back and shows that the airport should stay in its current location, the city will continue to pay for maintenance costs. If the study shows that a new airport is necessary another study will be used to determine where the airport should be located.

“The FAA is a major contributor, but there would be a part that the city and county would be responsible for so we have to figure out where the money would be coming from,” said Mann.

Mann said the city is also looking at the businesses and people who could be impacted if the current airport is moved. The study won’t be complete until next year. The city said when it is done public input will be greatly appreciated.