Proposed Crosswind Runway Focused Planning Study
Introduction
The Show Low Regional Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan, approved in 2021, plans for the closure of Runway 4-22, the existing crosswind runway, and proposes the development of a new crosswind runway.
The depiction of the proposed crosswind runway on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP) is the initial step in the process leading to ultimate design and construction. The subsequent step involves undertaking the necessary planning and environmental documentation to allow the FAA to determine the appropriate federally required environmental clearance documentation per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.
To ensure proposed projects at airports included in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) are fully justifiable for federal funding as a part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the FAA is requiring airport sponsors to undergo an additional planning analysis specifically focusing on justification of the proposed project, identification of environmental resources potentially affected, preliminary engineering design, and estimated construction costs and schedule. This additional analysis is referred to by the FAA as a focused planning study.
Thus, the City of Show Low has committed to undertaking the Show Low Regional Airport Proposed Crosswind Runway Focused Planning Study, in addition to the necessary documentation leading to an FAA Determination to Prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the reasons stated above. Combining the elements of a focused planning study with the preliminary planning and environmental documentation needed for the FAA’s environmental clearance determination allows the City of Show Low to proactively move forward with the environmental process in a timely and efficient manner, leading to the ultimate design and construction of the proposed project within SOW’s planning horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Focused Planning Study started in early September 2023 and is expected to finish by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Throughout the study, public open house meetings will be held to inform the community about the study and gather input. The following Questions and Answers provide an overview of the study's purpose, need, timeline, and how to stay updated on its progress.
Q: What is the goal of the Focused Planning Study?
to provide the FAA with the preliminary environmental clearance documentation needed for EA/EIS determination.
The outcome of the FPS will not change the following:
• Types of aircraft using the facility today
• Airfield capacity
• Introduction of additional commercial service
The outcome of the FPS will allow the following:
• Commencement of the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental process
• After construction, the new crosswind runway will enhance the safety of the airfield for users
Q: What is the Airport Focused Planning Study?
A: The Focused Planning Study (FPS) is a detailed evaluation required by the FAA prior to the federal environmental clearance phase. For Show Low Regional Airport, the FPS will examine the proposed new crosswind runway. It will validate the need, orientation, length, costs, and environmental impacts to allow the FAA to make a determination related to the type of environmental clearance documentation needed.
Q: Why does the Airport need a new crosswind runway?
A: The existing crosswind runway does not meet FAA crosswind coverage requirements for smaller piston aircraft and is deficient in several safety area and design standards. Rebuilding it in the same location would reduce its usable length. Constructing a new crosswind runway better aligned with wind coverage will enhance safety for pilots in crosswind conditions.
Q: How can I stay updated and provide input?
A: Please attend one of the public open house events throughout the project. The community can also expect to be kept abreast of the FPS progress and milestones through various media outlets, such as press releases, newspaper advertisements, social media and airport website posts, and the City of Show Low TV network. For additional information and news about upcoming public meetings, visit the airport's website at www.showlowaz.gov/332/Airport
For specific questions or comments related to the FPS, please email Jenny Watts, at jenny.watts@dibblecorp.com
