Recommendations about future development of the Prescott Municipal Airport submitted by Delta Airport Consultants will now go for review to the Prescott City Council.
This action follows more than two years of intensive study and research by Douglas Sander and his team of airport development experts from Raleigh, N.C. They have a contract with the City of Prescott to assist in developing a realistic, flexible and sustainable development program to meet future aviation needs.
Prescott Airport Director Robin Sobotta said it was important everyone realize the Airport Master Plan was simply that—a suggested plan, not a firm commitment for immediate construction. “We want this plan to reflect community attitudes and citizen input,” she said.
After the City Council members review the Airport Master Plan (AMP), it will be forwarded to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for final scrutiny and possible action.
Before he passed recommendations forward to the City Council, Sander summarized the fourth installment of the AMP to members of the public during a two-hour open house at the Prescott Centennial Center on July 11. He used detailed charts and a PowerPoint program to illustrate his comments.
More than 100 local residents, including several community leaders, heard Sander describe what are considered as the three development phases. They include years 1 to 5; 6 to 10 and 11 to 20. The cost for each phase was estimated as: Phase One $33.6 million; Phase Two $80 million; Phase Three: $33 million. In each phase, the FAA would fund 90 percent or more of the cost, Sander said.
Major recommendations included:
- Expansion and lengthening of runways, especially primary Runway 3. It would be lengthened from 7,619 to 10,000 feet.
- Relocation of some, and expansion and construction of, airport hangars.
- Relocation of the air traffic control tower.
- Demolition of the existing terminal and construction of a new one.
Sander said the AMP ultimately would have to move forward to the FAA for final approval of airport development plans.
More details about the Airport Master Plan are available at airport.admin@prescott-az.com; or by calling (928) 777-1114.
