10/08/97 Gates to KreppsL(J
U. S. Depaitnent
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Adtratlion
October S, 1997
Mr. Clarence W. Krepps
Kalispell City Manager
P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
Dear fir. Krepps:
AIRPORTS DISTRICT OFFICE
2725 Skyway Drive, Suite 2
Helena., MT 59601
We are responding to the letter that was sent by you, dated September 23, 1997 regarding
inclusion of Kalispell City airport into the National Plan of Integrated Airports System
(NPIAS). Kalispell City Airport has been temporarily listed in the NPUS as of the date
of this letter. The listing is only temporary, which may change as a result of the findings
of the Feasibility and or Master Plan study.
The NPIAS is primarily used to define the system of airports and projected related costs
associated with maintaining the federal system of airports. Inclusion under the NPIAS
may indicate that there is a potential for future federal funding. we will not know
whether there is a potential for additional future funding (in addition to a planning grant)
until we reach a conclusion under the Feasibility and or Master Plan. Study. The planning
study will be used in part to determine whether the current airport can feasibly be
developed to meet the federal airport design standards consistent with the overall federal
airport system. The decision as to whether or not to develop the current airport will also
have to be supported by the Kalispell community before we would permanently include
the airport into the NPIAS.
The final outcome of the planning study may indicate that it is not economically or
environmentally feasible to develop the airport to current FAA airport design standards.
However, this would not preclude the City from requesting financial support from the
state or local governments for other improvements. Discussions with State Aeronautics
have indicated that Kalispell City is already included under the State Airport System
Plan., and would be considered for state funding depending on availability of funds under
their program.
We look forward to working with you and the community in developing a plan that we
feel will help all parties to reach a decision as to which direction the airport will progress.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Gates, P.E.
Community Planner
cc:
Montana Aeronautics