Sanderson/Kalispell City Airport
Good Morning City Council Members,
My name is Mark Sanderson and I’m writing to you in support of the
Kalispell City Airport.
I am an airplane owner and am a lessee of one of the hangers located on
the west side of the airport.
One of the reasons that my family and I moved to Montana was the
willingness of Montana citizens to respect the rights and legal
activities of its residents. As I read the local media reports of the
statements made by the group that is opposed to the airports very
existence, I don’t see that willingness of respect to others. What I
read and hear is that if “it isn’t our way than it’s no way” – a typical
“Not In My Backyard” position.
The airport community has taken the local groups concerns to heart and
made adjustments and conciliations to the local group such as training
flight hours, departure and approach routes when possible, etc.
However, the local group refuses to even discuss the ongoing existence
of the airport. We all have Rights.
I am a resident of Bigfork, not Kalispell, but the fact that my airplane
is hangered at City Airport requires me to visit the Kalispell area more
frequently than I would normally, which translates into more of my
dollars spent at local businesses in the airport area – Red Eagle
Aviation, The Blue Canyon restaurant at the Hilton, Rosauers, McKenzie
River Pizza, etc.(and of course my hanger rent to the city) As we all
know, in these times small businesses and government need all the
customer traffic they can get.
Not only does City Airport contribute to the community tax base and
businesses both on the airport and nearby, but its existence also
encompasses the items listed below.
Location----------Near businesses, restaurants and hotels in town
Safety-------------Upgrading is a key point to improving safety (VASI,
lengthening, safety zones, width)
Noise--------------Realignment of the runway and traffic patterns will
lessen the noise footprint
Financial---------The impact of closing or moving the airport to local
businesses, The costs to the City to close the airport
Employment----Current employment from the businesses on the airport,
future employment opportunities from these businesses, the employment
from the construction of the improvements.
Public Service---Young Eagles, Emergency Medical, Mail/Fed Ex and UPS
Access-----------Access to the parking areas and aircraft without prior
security screening (Rafting trips, Fly-ins, Young Eagles, Gliders,
Camping)
I’m sure you already have reviewed the information at this website, but
in your deliberations, I recommend that the facts iterated at this site
be kept in mind –
http://kalispellcityairport.com <http://kalispellcityairport.com/>
Thank you for your time and your wisdom.
Mark Sanderson
406-212-8500
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