HAILEYâ??S FRIEDMAN AIRPORT GETS SAFETY AREA FUNDING

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson announce Haileyâ??s Friedman Airport is receiving $4.5 million in funding from the Department of Transportation. The funds will assist the airport in making incremental improvements toward the goal of compliance with Federal Aviation Administration safety area guidelines. The airport serves the Hailey, Ketchum, Bellevue, and the Sun Valley areas. â??Safety is our top concern and this funding will improve conditions at Friedman Memorial. This is one step, but an important one, in improving conditions for critical air service to the Wood River Valley and Sun Valley areas,â?? Crapo said. "These funds are essential to maintaining the valuable use of the airport, the needs of the community, and the economic interests of the area,â?? Craig said. â??I'm fully supportive of safe, efficient, and viable access through this important mode of transportation, and I hope to continue working with all stakeholders on the long-term transportation goals of the region." "This great news was made possible by the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with Friedman Memorial Airport," said Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "I want to commend everyone at the airport, the City of Hailey, and Blaine County for their efforts to secure this grant, upgrade Friedman Memorial Airport, and attract new economic activity to the region." # # #