$17.2 Million Grant Will Be Used To Buy Land For Site

A program aimed at replacing the current airport in St. George, UT with a new facility received a big infusion of cash Tuesday, as FAA Administrator Marion Blakey handed a $17.2 million grant to Mayor Dan McArthur. The money will be used to buy land for the new airport, to be located five miles southeast of the city.

The Deseret Morning News reports more than 100 people attended the ceremony, held outside a terminal at the current airport. Supporters of the project in attendance included Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, and Representative Jim Matheson.

"I am really excited. This is a momentous, historical occasion," said McArthur. "We've had a lot of history in this process, but that's all behind us. What's really important is the future and we're moving forward in a positive, enthusiastic way. This is what it's all about."

As Aero-News reported last month, the new airport will ultimately be able to handle as many as 120,000 passengers by 2020 -- more than twice as many as the current facility, which offers service through regional operator SkyWest.

In addition to allowing room for expansion, the new facility will also offer a 9,300-foot runway, able to handle slightly larger jets than the 50-seaters flying into the current airport. The old facility (above) had also drawn the FAA's ire, due to its runway not meeting agency safety standards.

A replacement airport has been in the works for almost 20 years... and Blakey commended McArthur for his patience and optimism.

"I think we've all got a song in our hearts today," said Blakey. "If there's one word that's on everybody's lips, I think it's fair to say it's the word 'finally.' St. George is getting the number one thing it needs and that's a brand, spanking new airport."

"I did a little research before coming out here and found that this is Utah's biggest grant from the FAA ever," Blakey continued. "Good things come to those who wait. You deserve the kind of air service other areas in the country have enjoyed for decades and you've waited long enough."

FMI: www.sgcity.org/airport