This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
St. George • Operations at the old airport here will cease as of Thursday, when the city will transfer all flights to the new $159 million airport east of town.
Mayor Dan McArthur said airport users have until March 6 to clear out aircraft or other possessions.
The fate of the old airport, located on more than 200 acres above the city and offering panoramic views, remains uncertain. City leaders hope it will be attractive to developers, but a sale arranged three years ago failed when the winning bidder pulled out.
In 2008, the property's view and proximity to downtown St. George was attractive enough for Anderson Development of Sandy to pony up a nonrefundable payment of $1 million, required only of the winning bidder. The city needed the money to pay its share of the new airport and has had to dip into other funds.
Anderson got the land for $43.9 million, but could not take possession until the new airport was completed. City leaders hoped Utah lawmakers would provide a bridge loan for the intervening years.
But when the economy turned sour, lawmakers' commitment fizzled and Anderson pulled out.
McArthur said the city decided to refund Anderson the $1 million plus $25,000 in interest because the economic downturn was beyond its control.
He said the city is confident a buyer will be found.
Stewart Park, project manager for Anderson, said the contract was terminated by mutual agreement and that the company has maintained a good working relationship with the city and is still interested in acquiring the land.
"The city would still like to see us involved with the property," said Park.