PEORIA, Ariz. — The City of Peoria has allocated almost half a million dollars to fund ongoing studies for a potential airpark.
Mark Faust, deputy city manager for the City of Peoria, said back in 2000 the city had conversations about bringing an airport to the city and even completed a study.
However, Faust said the council decided not to proceed at that time.
Fast forward to 2024, the city has grown to more than 200,000 people and is the eighth largest city in the state.
Faust said on May 7 there was a study session and it was determined that there was a need for an airpark.
"When we look at it, the model that's being sought after is Scottsdale," Faust said. "It serves everything from small, single engine aircraft to private jets, no cargo, no commercial flights. So what's what's definitely not being contemplated is like a Mesa gateway. That's not on the table."
According to a preliminary economic impact statement, an airpark could bring in the city one billion dollars in annual economic impact, create nearly 8,000 jobs and bring in more than $60 million annually in state and local taxes.
Faust said everything is 'still in its infancy' and that several other studies will be done within the next two years to determine the impact on the environment, noise and other factors.
"We know that a rough [cost amount] could be in $150 million range," Faust said. "50 million for land and $100 million for initial construction, but that's what this staff are out doing now, is collecting more facts, understanding what it would take to move forward so this city council can make a fully informed decision."
The City of Peoria will host a Q and A webinar on Thursday at 6:30 and another in August.
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