The Prescott Regional Airport released a proposal to extend and shift Runway 21L/3R to the northeast by 1,000 feet. Airport officials say this shift moves the departure end of the runway by 780 feet, allowing larger aircraft to take off at a safer distance from obstructions. It would also mitigate noise in nearby subdivisions.
Prescott Regional Airport Manager Rick Crider states there are many considerations influencing the proposed layout of the project, including commercial, firefighting, and flight training operations:
Crider says the current proposed plan will add 1,000 feet to the north end before the south end of the runway is removed. He reports that while the project is still in its early stages, current estimates place the budget between 65 and 100 million dollars, with at least several years until construction begins.
Regardless, Crider states the proposal has received support from not only local officials and the state, but also the Federal Aviation Administration. Crider reports the airport has already received several grants for the land acquisition and necessary studies. Codification for the project is expected in September.