The Kalispell City Council approved a plan Monday to upgrade the municipal airport to B-II federal aviation standards, although a looming citizens’ referendum could leave the final decision up to residents in 2013.
The council voted 5-4 to follow the latest airport master plan update recommendations and upgrade the facility in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration. Councilors Kari Gabriel, Jim Atkinson, Randy Kenyon, Jeff Zauner and Wayne Saverud voted in support of the resolution while Mayor Tammi Fisher and councilors Tim Kluesner, Phil Guiffrida III and Bob Hafferman were opposed.
The decision could become null and void if a citizens’ group successfully adds a referendum to the November 2013 election ballot that would allow residents to choose whether to develop the current facility. Members from Quiet Skies, a group opposed to development at the airport, held a meeting last Saturday and will begin gathering signatures over the next year.
“We are prepared,” said Scott Davis with Quiet Skies, adding, “We are still going to have that election and we will win it.”
This story will be updated.