Growth Limitations, Location Compromise FLV

Commissioners in Leavenworth County, KS agree additional aviation options are needed in the area... and they're currently discussing building a new regional airport in Leavenworth County. But they still have a few questions.

"I encourage you to go ahead with this while continuing to ask, 'Where will this go?' and 'Where do we get funding?'" Commissioner Clyde Graeber said. "But we can't turn our back on Sherman, the only airport in Leavenworth County that serves private and commercial flights. We need to continue to utilize it while going ahead with plans for an additional facility."

The area's aviation needs are currently served by Sherman Army Airfield at Fort Leavenworth. It is a military airfield, but civilian access is unlimited. All civilian aircraft may take off and land without special authorization or advanced notice. Runway 15/33 is 5,905 feet long.

Leavenworth interim city manager Robyn Stewart said Sherman Airfield has access issues, due to its location on a floodplain. The area was under six to 10 feet of water during a flood in 1993. Another concern is FAA funds cannot be used at Sherman, since it is on a military installation.

But, the FAA could fund 90 to 95 percent of a new regional airport, according to The Tonganoxie (KS) Mirror.

Stewart, citing a 1992 study, said a regional airport would "save time and money for travelers who currently must head to Kansas City International Airport and could provide another option besides Sherman."

Greg Kaaz, chairman of the city's airport advisory board said, "My personal preference is that it's adjacent to the city somewhere." He emphasized an airport must "be conducive to economic growth around it," and suggested the establishment of an industrial park surrounding a prospective site.

"When KCI (Kansas City International Airport) was built, it was more or less in the middle of a field," Kaaz said. "But Kansas City's pretty much grown out to it. That's what we're looking at here."

Kaaz said the airport would need between 600 and 900 acres of land with easements on either side of a runway "at least" 5,000 feet long.

FMI: www.lvks.org/sherman_airfield.htm