Residents of St. George, SkyWest Airlines, and the FAA have been working steadily toward the goal of building a new airport for the region, which will accommodate larger planes and move traffic in and out more efficiently. The current airport is “uncontrolled,” meaning there is no tower, and both pilots and officials would like a more regimented environment.
It looks now, in August, 2007, that the new airport is more than a dream. Here’s what the St. George Chamber of Commerce has to say about the plans:
“The replacement airport is moving toward a 2010 completion. The Federal Aviation Administration-sponsored Environmental Impact Statement has been completed and construction could begin as soon as 2007. The new airport will provide safer, more convenient air travel. Jerry Atkin, CEO of SkyWest Inc., which is headquartered in St. George said, “A jet-capable airport allows us to serve destinations further away than we are capable of today.”
The current airport will be relocated 5 miles southeast, and designed to safely handle the forecast growth in commercial air service through 2020. Deficiencies at the existing airport include runway length, runway orientation, passenger facilities, and general aviation facilities. The current airport sits on top of a mesa and cannot be expanded or redesigned.
Population and economic growth will most certainly increase air traffic throughout the region. Population growth has a strong influence on air travel demand, and both St. George and Washington County are forecast to have populations 97% higher in 2020 than in 2000. The new airport will allow regional jets that carry 50-100 passengers to replace the 30-passenger turboprop aircraft used now by SkyWest.
Economic growth will keep pace with population increases, as Washington County is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. Job growth is outpacing that of both the nation and Utah, and unemployment remains low.
Some relevant links for more detail:
Proposed site
Redevelopment Plan
EIS
Land Use Plan
Residential and commercial sales continue to be robust in the St. George area, and the future for real estate looks very strong. Contact me with your questions about the lifestyle, the housing market, or ask for my free relocation package.
Ellen
800-557-9096
