City Talks letter on protecting open spaces and airports

While I am very new to Prescott and am still getting to know all the wonderful people in this community, I am aware that there has been a lot of discussion and opinions over the past few years about land acquisition to protect the Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) from incompatible uses. In this letter, I hope to share some facts about airport security and information regarding the Prescott Regional Airport (PRC). I will also distinguish between open space for airport security and open space for recreational use.

Prescott Regional Airport continues to be a hub of economic activity. It connects Prescott to the world with daily flights to Denver and Los Angeles on United (operated by SkyWest Airlines). Flight training at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and several other flight schools still account for a large portion of the airport’s daily traffic. And this time of year, the U.S. Forest Service Fire Center and tanker base fly missions throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

As our airport grows and Prescott grows around the airport, we should be mindful and strategic to ensure that development is consistent with and does not compromise the responsible development of these important activities. The City of Prescott has been working with property owners around the airport for several years to acquire land for this purpose. This can be an expensive endeavor at times, and all of this will require action by the City Council at public meetings. In some cases, the City may be reimbursed for a portion of these expenses through grants from federal (FAA) and state (ADOT) agencies.

Below I provide some background information regarding airport security and explain why the City of Prescott is pursuing land acquisition to ensure appropriate land use and development.

Airport sponsors, like the City of Prescott in the case of PRC, take measures to protect and secure their airports and surrounding airspace from intrusion by incompatible land uses or structures that may create safety hazards or operational restrictions. The key reasons airports must protect themselves from intrusion include:

1. Aircraft Operations Security: An incursion can introduce obstacles such as buildings, tall structures, or even trees into the airspace surrounding an airport. These obstacles can pose a hazard to aircraft taking off, landing, or maneuvering near the airport. Airspace protection provides pilots with clear, obstacle-free paths during critical phases of flight.

2. Noise Control: Airports generate significant noise from aircraft operations, particularly during takeoff and landing. Encroachment protection helps mitigate potential conflicts with noise-sensitive land uses, such as residential areas. Zoning regulations can restrict incompatible developments near airports to reduce complaints and promote peaceful coexistence.

3. Operational Flexibility: Airports require sufficient space for expansion, new development, and security measures. Encroachment on airport land limits this flexibility, limiting the land available for airport operations and future growth. Airport perimeter protection ensures that sufficient land is available for current and future aviation needs.

4. Aviation Regulation Compliance: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates airport security through regulations and guidelines. These regulations define specific zones around airports in which height restrictions and consistent land use controls are enforced by the airport sponsor to ensure aviation safety and operational efficiency.

5. Economic Considerations: Airports are key economic engines that support regional development, job creation, and tourism. Protecting airports from breaches helps maintain their economic contribution by preserving their ability to operate efficiently, expand when necessary, and remain competitive in the aviation industry.

In general, airport security aims to balance the need for safe and efficient flight operations with surrounding land use and community interests. Through effective planning, zoning regulations, and coordination among stakeholders, airports can mitigate the risks of encroachment while supporting sustainable development and economic growth in their regions.

There is a clear distinction between acquiring land for airport protection and expansion and acquiring land for open spaces and recreational activities. I have outlined the reasons for acquiring land for airport protection from incompatible land uses.

Acquiring land for open space, conservation, and recreation, and spending city dollars on it, is equally important. Prescott residents clearly value open space for recreation because it improves quality of life. In fact, Prescott has acquired thousands of acres of open space over the past two decades. For example, in 2023, the city entered into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Prescott Valley and Yavapai County to acquire land in and around Glassford Hill for this very reason.

The decision to spend taxpayer dollars on environmental protection and recreation is made based on a very different set of criteria than airport protection, which focuses more on compatible development and potential future expansion. While both types of land acquisitions are political decisions made by our elected leaders, each has different criteria and rationale.

In summary, the case for protecting PRCs from incompatible land uses is sound. When the City has the opportunity to leverage state and federal investment in protecting and developing an important economic catalyst in our community, the very strong case for the City to invest in an airport becomes even more profound. Open space for conservation and recreation can also be considered sound policy, and in both cases, these decisions are made by our elected leadership, informed by the community they serve.

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