Rexburg and Madison County discuss shared airport liaison as relocation planning advances
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Summary
City and county officials briefed the Council on plans to hire a part-time airport liaison to accelerate relocation planning, land negotiations and FAA coordination for a proposed new airport. County leaders have approved matching funds; staff will return with a contract scope and budget.
Rexburg city and Madison County officials on Oct. 15 discussed plans to hire a joint, part-time airport liaison to push forward a long-running effort to relocate and expand the local airport.
Why it matters: City staff and airport board members told the council that the relocation project now needs a dedicated, front‑line coordinator to manage landowner negotiations, federal approvals, engineering coordination and outreach to potential private operators. The Federal Aviation Administration has indicated funding is available for an approved relocation; staff said clearing land and securing environmental and regulatory approvals are necessary steps before construction funding can be released.
What officials said Public Works Director Keith Davidson briefed the council on the proposal and said the position would be a contracted, part‑time hire jointly funded by the city and the county from the airport construction fund. The county approved its portion in a recent meeting, he said. The city’s finance report shows an airport relocation reserve of about $1.1 million the city has been saving toward a local match.
Airport officials told council members they see the work in phases: (1) approvals and land acquisition, (2) construction, and (3) long-term operations and maintenance. The airport board chair (Taylor) said the FAA is supportive of a properly sited relocation and estimated — if local steps move forward — that a new airport could be built “within 5 to 6 years” from the time approvals and land deals are completed. Board representatives stressed the need for an individual dedicated to maintaining momentum, coordinating with FAA and landowners, and helping assemble grants and private investment.
Funding and next steps Staff said the position would be paid from the airport construction fund and that the city and county would share costs; the county has approved its portion. City and county staff will finalize a job description, deliverables and contract terms and present a contract to the council for approval at a future meeting.
No formal council vote was taken on the liaison position at the Oct. 15 meeting; the county has already approved its share and staff said they expect to bring a contract back for council approval at the next regular meeting.
