Cites Interference With Existing Traffic

The FAA refused to approve a proposed airport in Park City stating that instrument landings at the proposed airport would interfere with traffic at surrounding airports. Some nearby residents were thrilled, but airport backers claimed that the airport would have served businesses and helped draw people to area attractions.

"It's dead," said Jack Whitson, the city's director of planning and economic development.

"The potential for adverse impact on the safe and expeditious flow of air traffic in this congested area originates from the proposed location," the April 1st letter said to airport developer, Dan Claassen, according to media reports.

The FAA and developers have been working back and forth in this process, originally listing several conditions that would have allowed "safe and efficient" operation of the airport. Further input from the Wichita Air Traffic Controllers led them to deem the airport "objectionable" on March 3rd. Despite revised plans for the airport, the April 1st letter still said it was a no-go.

Witchita's Mid-Continent (KICT), Jabara (KAAO) and Newton City/County (KEWK) airports surround the proposed location and would be affected if the airport were approved.

The Park City Council pulled a rezoning request for the land from their meeting agenda.

"The concept was pretty sound," Whitson said. "Everything we heard is that it would've been successful."

FMI: www.parkcityks.com