Ski Resorts, Homeowner, Airlines Opposed Traffic Pattern Change

Finally, after more than four years, a decision has been made -- albeit a temporary one. The Federal Aviation Administration decided Tuesday the air traffic pattern over Salt Lake City International Airport will remain as is.

This is great news to the homeowners on the east side of the valley and a coalition of environmental groups, ski resort owners and Salt Lake City and County officials who opposed the proposed change. Carriers Delta and Northwest airlines voiced their opposition, as well.

"We're very pleased this process is over," said Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. "It's dragged on an extremely long time. We were, however, quite confident there was no justification for changing the FAA-mandated approach to the airport."

Had it been implemented, the FAA's proposal would have redirected air traffic over the Wasatch Mountains, the foothills, over the ski resorts, recreation areas, canyons and the Lone Peak Wilderness Area, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Jim Matheson (D-UT) said Tuesday the Department of Transportation notified him it had decided no change in the current routes was necessary after years of studying the issue.

"I think it's just great news. This proposal had momentum. It was moving in the direction of changing of the flight pattern," said Matheson. "It's a big deal that they said they're looking at other things."

The DOT Associate Director for Governmental Affairs, Bill Rayball, told Matheson in an email that new navigation technology and traffic management techniques will make it unnecessary to change the current flight patterns -- at least through 2008 -- but the DOT may still revisit rerouting the air traffic at a later time.

"For the time being I have to assume it's not happening," Matheson said. "I will be monitoring developments and will continue to request updates from the FAA regarding planned 'enhancements' so that I can keep Salt Lake Valley residents informed."

The environmental impact statement on changes for air traffic approaches began in Feb. 2003 and has limped along ever since, reportedly hindered by a lack of funding.

The environmental group that first voiced its concern and opposition to the proposed changes, Save Our Canyons, said the decision may be temporary but it's a "good omen" for the ultimate outcome, according to the Tribune.

"All environmental victories are temporary; all losses are permanent, so we are encouraged by this development and hope that as the situation is studied more extensively by the FAA they will find they have made a correct decision for a longer period of time," said group president Gale Dick.

"This is an important victory, protecting the Wasatch Mountains."

FMI: www.slcairport.com, www.house.gov/matheson, www.dot.gov