Language Inserted By Idaho Senators To Delay The Move

Idaho's two U.S. Senators inserted language in the FAA Reauthorization bill passed Monday by the Senate that has put the brakes on a planned relocation of the Boise TRACON facility to Salt Lake City.

Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both Republicans, successfully included language in the bill that will prevent the FAA from relocating the facility until the Air Traffic Modernization Oversight Board has completed a review of the entire TRACON consolidation plan. It also stipulates that the move can't take place without the approval of NATCA.

“From where we stand, it is necessary to have a thorough review of the Boise consolidation and an independent determination of the cost effectiveness of transferring the Boise TRACON,” Risch said for the Congressional Record.

The Idaho Statesman reports that the FAA was planning the move over the objections of local air traffic controllers and city officials. They cited air safety and airport efficiency as the reasons for opposing the move.

The overall plan is being looked at by U.S. DOT auditors in the Inspector General's office. The agency had initially said moving the TRACON facility would save $24 million over 25 years.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.natca.org