City Council approves environmental study for Prescott airport runway shift

During the recent City Council Voting Meeting on March 25, 2025, significant discussions centered around the Prescott Airport's future, highlighting its critical role in the community. Council members emphasized the importance of the airport, noting that Prescott and Flagstaff are the only cities in Northern Arizona with commercial air service, making it a vital asset for local residents.

A key agenda item was an amendment to the Dibble contract, which focuses on planning and environmental services related to land acquisition in the South Ranch area. This initiative aims to enhance airport protection and comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant assurances. The proposed changes include a potential shift of the runway, which would require public outreach meetings to gather community input on the impact of this adjustment.

The council discussed the runway shift, which is expected to be approximately 1,000 feet to the northeast. This change aims to eliminate obstacles on the departure end of the runway, improving safety and efficiency for air traffic. However, the estimated costs for this project could range between $10 million to $15 million, prompting questions about funding sources. Officials confirmed that the project would be eligible for FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding.

Additionally, the council acknowledged the need to involve air carriers and other airport users in the planning process to ensure their concerns are addressed. The discussions also reassured residents that the new flight patterns would not require further land acquisitions beyond what is already planned.

In a unanimous vote, the council approved the consent item related to the contract amendment, setting a budget limit of $92,640. This decision marks a significant step towards enhancing Prescott's airport infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the local community by maintaining essential air services. As the city moves forward, public engagement will be crucial in shaping the future of Prescott Airport and ensuring it meets the needs of its users.