To accommodate projected traffic growth as well as regional jets, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval for St. George, UT, to build a replacement airport with a 9,300-foot runway on 1,300 acres approximately five miles from downtown St. George. The proposed airport replaces the 42-year-old airport that served as the genesis of SkyWest Airlines (SKYW) when it was founded in 1972. The airline retains its base in the city. St. George, a primary non-hub airport is one of the airport projects selected for "environmental streamlining" under an executive order issued by President Bush in 2002 that steamlines the decision-making process for major transportation projects.

The current airport, with its single 6,605-foot runway has no expansion capability since it was built high atop a mesa above St. George and cannot be modified to meet federal design standards or the forecast aviation needs of the community. In 2003 it served a total of 43,714 aircraft operations, including 6,056 commercial passenger operations by SkyWest Airlines (SKYW) and 2,104 cargo operations by FedEx and UPS. Total usage is forecast to grow 17 percent with a 158 percent increase in enplanments by 2020 with a new airport versus an 81 percent growth in enplanements with the existing facility. The new airport would accommodate a 22 percent increase in passenger operations; a four percent increase in cargo operations and 24 percent and 17 percent for air taxi and general aviation activity, respectively.

The environmental impact statement concluded the new airport would have little or no impact on nearby Zion National Park. The latest EIS resulted from a 2001 lawsuit brought by the Grand Canyon Trust wanting a closer examination of the noise impact the proposed facility would have. The incorporation of new data resulted in the most comprehensive aircraft noise analyses ever conducted by the FAA for an airport development project designed to meet future aviation demand levels.

The new facility would include a runway with approach lighting and navigational systems to support instrument procedures. A passenger terminal and apron and associated parking would be developed on the eastern side of the runway, as would an aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) facility as well as aviation, airport maintenance, air cargo and fuel farm facilities. The west side of the airport property would be reserved for future aviation development including a traffic control tower.

Much work remains to be done before construction can begin, according to Airport Manager Mike LaPier. Two years ago the estimated cost for the new airport was set at $107 million, but the city, which runs the airport, is now in the process of updating that. FAA has current cost estimates between $120 million and $150 million. It must also negotiate with FAA as to the split between federal, state and local contributions to the project. Once everything is in place, he expects construction to take at least three to five years before the airport is completed, although the FAA expects it to be five to six years. LaPier said the Grand Canyon Trust was quoted as not intending to challenge the FAA's decision.