History of St. George replacement airport

• 1998 — Current airport deficiencies identified in St. George master plan, which cited inability to expand yet a demand for increased air service. Current airport is built on a mesa with sharp drop-offs on three sides.

• June 2000 — City pursued alternative airport sites and released a draft environmental assessment.

• January 2001 — FAA released a "final environmental assessment," declaring no significant impact.

• April 2001 — The Grand Canyon Trust sued the FAA, challenging its assessment and conclusions.

• May 2002 — A court ruling said the FAA must evaluate the cumulative impact of noise on Zion National Park, sending the issue back to the agency.

• October 2002 — The FAA announced it would prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed airport site.

• September 2005 — The FAA released its draft EIS. A public hearing is scheduled in St. George today. Comments will be accepted by the FAA through Nov. 8, 2005. The Final EIS likely will be released in the spring of 2006.