Hailey Moving towards Airport Improvements

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) — A spokesman for an engineering firm says the Federal Aviation Administration has given approval to the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority to pursue two possible paths to improve safety for passengers flying into the resort area of central Idaho. Dave Mitchell of T-O Engineers says the improvements will bring the airport in Hailey into compliance with runway safety standards by relocating and extending the airport's taxiways and relocating airport hangars.

The Idaho Mountain Express reports in a story published Friday that Mitchell also says T-O Engineers will be planning for a replacement airport and that the FAS is paying for a siting study. The FAA says the airport should be improved or moved because expanding residential areas and high hills make the airfield too dangerous for larger aircraft.