Actor Bruce Willis Had Hoped To Build The Airport On Property He Owns

Actor Bruce Willis' plan to build a private airport near Fairfield, ID has been stopped, at least temporarily, by a judge in Camas County, ID who said the County Commission acted improperly in approving the project.

The Idaho Mountain Express reports that Judge Robert Elgee ruled May 19 that the County Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission ignored the county's comprehensive plan when it drafted the ordinance to allow the airstrip in violation of Idaho laws, and did not give public notice when it made substantive changes to the ordinance.

The ordinance making airports a permitted use on land that is zoned for agriculture passed late last year. The use was not permitted when Willis began building an 8,500 foot dirt runway on land he owns, which is being called Soldier Field Airport. Willis has not said why he wants to build a private airport on his land.

Residents sued the county over violations of two state laws dealing with the zoning and procedures concerning the changes in the ordinance. County Attorney Matt Pember said that the county was "disappointed in the judgment. We believe we followed all the proper procedures, but it’s something we can rectify.” However, he said it was not clear how the county commission would proceed. Only one member who was on the commission when the ordinance was passed remains on the panel ... County Commission Chairwoman Barb Cutler. She said she did not know how it would be addressed, but it would be brought back before the current commission "soon".

FMI: Original Report