FAA Scraps Plan To Consolidate TRACON Services In Salt Lake
City
The FAA has decided not to move some air traffic controllers
currently at the TRACON facility in Boise to Salt Lake City, ending
a long-simmering dispute between the agency, NATCA and local
officials.
In a news release, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) said that during
personal telephone calls Tuesday to Idaho Delegation Members and
the Mayor of Boise, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said
the department is dropping plans to co-locate the Boise TRACON with
Salt Lake City.
The FAA had wanted to move the Boise system because of alleged
cost savings, but the Delegation and Mayor had challenged the
budget figures and argued that safety and jobs would be best
preserved by keeping the existing system in place with the move to
a new airport control tower. Secretary Ray LaHood agreed.
“I appreciate speaking with Secretary LaHood today and
applaud his decision to maintain a Terminal Approach Radar in
Boise,” said Senator Crapo. “This is the best solution
in terms of cost and safety for Southwest Idaho air traffic
control. Additionally, it will preserve good-paying jobs at the
Boise Airport as we build toward future growth and
development.”
Senator Crapo
Leaving the TRACON in Boise was the right decision for the FAA
to make. From a cost and efficiency standpoint the facts are clear
that leaving the radar operation in Boise was the only decision
they could make,” said Senator Jim Risch (R-ID).
“I was pleased to speak directly with the Secretary today
and am glad that the FAA has made a decision that looks to the best
interests of Idahoans and is based on facts instead of best
guesses,” said Congressman Mike Simpson (D-ID). “With
this decision behind us, I am hopeful that we can look forward to
ensuring that the Boise Airport can continue to support economic
growth in the Treasure Valley.”
Congressman Simpson
“This is great news for Idaho travelers and for Idaho's
economy,” said Congressman Walt Minnick (D-ID). “The
decision to keep the TRACON tower at the Boise Airport is not only
the most cost-effective solution for taxpayers, but it is also a
fitting way to remember and honor the legacy of my friend Ed
Stimpson, who was a true leader in aviation safety. Not only will
passengers be more certain of safe travel, but the men and women
who keep them safe will continue to do their jobs in Idaho and help
keep our economy on the road to recovery.”
"This decision is great news for Boise and for every traveler
and business that depends on the Boise Airport," Mayor David Bieter
(D) said. "By keeping TRACON here, we will preserve high quality
local jobs, ensure continued safety and convenience for travelers
and protect the airport's position as a major hub for aviation and
commerce. I applaud the FAA for keeping this important asset in
Boise. This victory is the result of four years of hard work by
Idaho's congressional delegation, the late Ed Stimpson, former US
Ambassador and Boise Airport Commissioner, and the City of Boise.
It's time to celebrate."
Mayor Bieter
The Idaho Statesman reports that Senators Crapo and Risch had
attached an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill that
prohibited relocating the Boise TRACON until the FAA's plan to
consolidate TRACON facilities nationwide was reviewed by the Air
Traffic Modernization Board, and would require the agency to work
with NATCA on any ATC relocation plan.