Land near Malmstrom runway may cost millions

[unhappycamper]

Land near Malmstrom runway may cost millions
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Apr 5, 2008 17:09:53 EDT

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — It could cost up to $6.8 million to buy land near Malmstrom Air Force Base in an effort to keep the runway free of encroachment and available for any future flying missions, according to a study commissioned by the Great Falls Development Authority.

The issue surfaced more than two years ago when developers proposed projects for the southeastern edge of the city.

Malmstrom boosters say they want to curb development so they can try to persuade the Air Force to reopen the runway, which closed in 1996. But affected property owners want residential development to be allowed in one of the prime growth areas in the city.

The study, conducted by Ferro Appraisal Services of Great Falls, also estimates that it would cost up to $4.1 million to buy development rights, which would allow landowners to farm the land but not build homes or businesses.

A new Malmstrom flying mission would bring at least 500 airmen and $20 million in improvements, County Commissioner Joe Briggs said.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/04/ap_malmstrom_040508/