Wayne McMichael/Airport- to grow or not to grow...
Having watched this valley grow for 50 years, I can honestly say that
the growth here will not end. Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls,
Lakeside, Bigfork, Somers will all come together someday. Inevitably the
airport will need to grow with the valley. I do not see the airport
being able to expand to the level it will need to at it's present
location. It should proceed with relocation, then expansion as needed to
fit the needs of the Citizenry of the Flathead Valley. No matter where
it ends up there will be businesses around it like hotels, restaurants.
This valley is of a size that a 20 minute drive can take you just about
anywhere here. This is still better than some locations I have been to.
I can remember this being a 3 stop light town and LaSalle was gravel.
Look at the valley now. Prudent foresight is required here. Think on a
larger scale than "Kalispell city airport but rather Flathead Valley
airport. The "City's" airport business could be better served thinking
on a larger scale to accommodate the valley. With this in mind then I
would look at the lands currently available and at least see if they may
be a better proposal than just shrugging it off as not doable....Growing
pains are to be expected but can be worked through. Moving it to a
county location may change the "restrictions" . They could probably be
grandfathered to prevent this scenario from happening in the future when
the valley envelopes the airport in it's new location. If we lay out the
ground rules now instead of waiting 15 years....we will all be further
ahead. I spent many an afternoon watching the parachutes over the city
airport. The soar planes fill me with awe as they quietly sail overhead.
I am neither for or against the airport expansion just voicing that we
need to think larger and further...
Wayne McMichael
Flathead Valley Citizen
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