County and airport officials spent a large portion of the Nov. 18 Granite County commission meeting presenting options to replace a collapsed beacon at the Phillipsburg airport and taking extended public comment on whether it should operate at night. Airport staff said the beacon fell in September 2022 and the project is funded by a state grant but that some modifications — notably measures to limit nighttime light spill — would require additional local money.

Airport Chair Don, introduced by staff as the airport chair, and an engineering consultant explained FAA guidance for lighted runways and said pilot-controlled runway lighting with an added obstruction light would allow pilots to activate lights when needed while avoiding continuous illumination. The airport’s presentation noted the beacon’s role in helping pilots without radio contact find the field and in aiding visual navigation.

“Pilot control lighting makes the most sense,” an airport engineer said, explaining the system would let visiting pilots turn the lights on when arriving after sunset. The presentation also noted the state grant covers the basic installation but that a modification to reduce sideward light or provide a different control approach could add about $5,000 or more in local costs.

Residents who live near the airport urged stricter limits on nighttime lighting or no beacon operation at night to protect dark skies and reduce nuisance lighting. Katie McDonald, who identified herself as a Phillipsburg-area resident, said she opposed operating the beacon at night: “I oppose having that thing on at night.” Jennifer Slater, another nearby resident, said she moved to the area specifically for dark skies and described concerns about continuous illumination.

Supporters emphasized safety and emergency response. Jack Foster, a speaker who described operational uses for the field, said he favored keeping a beacon for emergency use: “I like the beacon for emergency use.” Commissioners and airport staff also discussed broader funding: one commissioner noted a potential federal airport infrastructure package — a $5.4 million grant with a 10% local match — that could fund more extensive airport improvements, but that would require community-level decisions about tax-based matching funds.

The board did not make a final decision at the Nov. 18 meeting. Staff said they would include pilot-controlled lighting and obstruction-light options in the next steps and return with more cost detail and any required changes to the approved grant scope. The public-comment record will remain part of the file as staff and commissioners evaluate whether to proceed with a standard 24/7 beacon or a pilot-activated alternative.