Boise Will Retain Radar System

Statement

As Idaho's governor in 2006, I participated in a meeting with our congressional delegation and the Federal Aviation Administration to discuss their proposal to move Boise's Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) to Salt Lake City. The move of the radar system, which controls aircraft approaching and departing an airport, was part of the FAA"s decision to consolidate radars throughout the country.

At that time, I questioned the cost and efficiency of such a move. While the FAA tried to reassure this change would save money, the numbers did not appear to add up.

The FAA continued to prepare for the move over the opposition of Idaho's congressional delegation, Governor Otter, the Mayor of Boise and Boise airport users. Senator Crapo and I were successful in delaying the move until an independent review of the cost of the move and overall operations were completed.

As a result of a separate financial audit the delegation requested from the Department of Transportation's Inspector General, the savings promised in the move were not there. In fact, the move would have actually increased the cost of the system by millions of dollars a year.

I was very pleased the effort many of us have put forth over the years was successful and that fees collected by the federal government will not be unwisely spent. Good paying jobs will be kept in Idaho and there is no question about the safety of the Boise Airport.

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