Reid/Kalispell City AirportDear city council,
I want to tell you why I am in support of improving the city airport
in its current location. I live just south of the airport under the
main departure path for the airport. I have worked at or around this
airport for 34 years so I have gained some knowledge of what type of
people use the airport. The majority are everyday people like you or I,
who enjoy flying.
One of the things that most cities value highly is whatever it has that
attracts visitors. Our city airport is just that. Not only does it
attract visitors but it actually makes enough income to be self
supporting. Besides being self supporting, by bringing visitors here,
it helps support local restaurants, motels and stores, all city tax
payers who benefit from having the city airport nearby. The airport
location is what makes this airport so popular. Finding an airport
where you can actually walk to motels, restaurants or stores is rare.
The city airport IS a destination.
As a means to improve safety and lessen the impact of noise for the
city, as part of the improvements, moving the runway to the south and
the realignment will help with both. So I am NOT for leaving the
airport as it is now. The added safety benefits are important to the
airport and to the city. With the FAA and State grants, the actual cost
to the city would be extremely low.
Today there are a number of people whose employment is dependent on
the airport and where it is. Some could move to a new location but some
jobs would be lost. Closing the airport would cost the city many
dollars by having to buy back the leases for business and hangers that
still have years to run on the leases. I don't think the city could
afford it and it's probably far more than the cost of the improvements.
Our valley does have another fine airport in Glacier Park
International. However this airport is not a destination like city
airport is. People who fly there must then decide which of several
places to go next, Kalispell is only one choice for them.
The city of Kalispell is a wonderful place and in its airport Kalispell
has a gem, I suggest you keep it and cherish it.
James Reid
jimreid@centurytel.net