August 6, 2021
Subject: Boise Airport Encroachment
To; Boise City Planning and Zoning Committee
Dear Committee Members:
This letter is mutually submitted by three retired Idaho Air National Guard Officers. M/Gen Darrell V. Manning, who served in sever.al elected/appointed state positions and as the State Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Idaho Army/Air National Guard for a total of 10 years, followed later by M/Gen Gary L Sayler who served in the same capacity for 7 years. I, B/Gen Dale J Hendry, joined the Idaho ANG.in 1958, working at Gowen Field full time. And retiring from there 47 years later as an Executive/Special Assignment Officer to the Commanding General.
With serious concerns, we have been closely following what COMPASS describes as the indisputable tremendous growth of the Treasure Valley and the developer’s potential projects of adding thousands of new homes in Southwest Boise surrounding the airport.
In the1930’s, when our first municipal airport was moved from its Bois River BJC site its current location, many questioned, “Who would drive out in the desert to catch an airliner?” Following WWII and the arrival of the local Jet Age 63 years ago, some of our local military blue suits worried of growing encroachment, and that without quick control could cause the fields possible demise. Forward thinking local government and airport officials quickly responded and we were able to jointly respond with protective zoning ordinances and avigation easements, which are now being challenged.
In addition to providing one of our valleys most vital transportation systems, the Gowen Field portion of the Boise Municipal Airport is the home of the Idaho Army and Air National Guard. Both organizations are proud combat ready Reserve components of their Active-Duty counterparts constantly helping provide our nations worldwide military commitments. Made up primarily of local men and women they also provide support to our state in times of need and disasters. The Guard’s educational opportunities, support of the airport and economic contributions s to the community are unmeasurable.
Our Boise Airport is now a “downtown airport,” and unfortunately without proper avigation easements, community, local and federal government support, it will be faced with the challenges that closed the anta Monica Airport, Chicago Meigs Field and the other airports striving to survive like John Wayne Airport and the newer Denver International Airport, which replaced the Stapleton Airport in 1995. Both City Mayors were Instrumental in the two airfield closures and Denver International is now paying its second Judge ordered multimillion-dollar violation fine initiated by residents living as far as 30 miles away.
Our airport encroachment and related concerns have been expressed to the appropriate city, military and Congressional officials. We recognize your committee is faced with what must seem like many insurmountable growth challenges, but we are also asking that our airport and the Idaho Army/Air Guard with its flying units, get “special long term protective support” in your future debates, findings and recommendations.
Sincerely,
M/Gen Darrell V. Manning (Ret.)
M/Gen Gary L Sayler (Ret.)
B/G Dale G Hendry (Ret.)
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