b'GENERAL AVIATIONAPA | SFF 81plan update so we could get a global sense of what needs to beIn July, SFF was beginning the search for an engineer firm to done, the timing and funding, says Krauter.complete the environmental study for the proposed taxiways. After a competitive selection process, the airport hired WSP toThe airport will also be seeking an engineer to design a new prepare its master plan update. Following the traditional planning130-foot control tower to replace its current facility, which is only method, WSP analyzed the current facilities and zeroed in on67 feet tall. The existing tower is 50 years old, is not ADA-historic and forecasted traffic to drive development plans.compliant and has line-of-sight issues, Kuttrus comments. Between 2012 and 2020, annual operations at SFF fluctuatedPlanners from WSP recommend building the new tower in a between 52,000 and 60,000. But last year, toward the end of themore strategic location to fix existing line-of-sight issues, prevent master planning process, annual operations jumped to more thansimilar issues in the future and regain three acres for about 26 71,700volume that surpassed the level FAA had predicted forsmall to midsize hangars. The preliminary timetable for a new 2037. The airport, which previously didnt have any based jets,tower is within five years. also became home base for three. Based on the airports growth trajectory and objectives, WSP had three major recommendations: extend the main runway by 1,000 feet, add more aircraft storage space (32 new hangars by 2037) and replace the existing air traffic control tower.What Lies AheadExtending the primary runway will enable SFF to attract smaller business jets like Hawker 800s, Cessna Citation IIs, Embraer Phenom 100s and Learjet 35s. However, that project is not in the plan for another seven to 10 years. In the meantime, the airport is tentatively planning a full rehabilitation of its existing 4,500-foot primary runway, including a new edge lighting system, in 2025. The more immediate priority is making site improvements to facilitate construction of additional hangars. Finding room to expand is difficult with the Spokane River and Beacon Hill to the north,MARK KUTTRUSa Union Pacific Rail line to the south and industrial and residential neighbors to the east. The airport is really boxed in, remarks Mark Kuttrus, assistant vice president, senior aviation planner with WSP. With additional hangars planned for 13 undeveloped acres to the north, the airport is focused on providing utilities and connecting that area to the rest of the airfield. FAA-funded taxiways are first on the list of master plan improvements.Our preference is to put in the basic infrastructure and allow the private sector to build the hangars, Krauter explains. This is the formula we have been using for the last 10 to 12 years. We have a significant shortage of hangars, and we want to address that as soon as possible.AirportImprovement.comSeptember 2022'