Cost for new central Idaho airport jumps

HAILEY, Idaho – A new estimate for the cost of building an airport in central Idaho at the preferred site will be closer to $327 million rather than the $185 million predicted a few months ago.

Financial consultants in the April 5 report to the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority said the new report includes costs not listed in an earlier airport engineering study for the site in southern Blaine County, including design, administration and debt financing.

“While these numbers are still preliminary, it’s clear the financial challenges ahead are sobering,” said Airport Authority Chair Tom Bowman.

Federal officials say Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey has to be moved because of expanding residential areas and high hills that make the airport too dangerous.