HAYDEN - Before future plans for the Coeur d'Alene Airport and surrounding roads can take off, a third-party facilitator will be tapped in hopes of making those plans more compatible with each other.

The Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, a regional, multi-agency transportation planning board, recently authorized staff to develop a contract with consultant Bracke and Associates to facilitate stakeholder meetings to resolve conflicts between long-range plans for the airport and surrounding road systems.

"(Bringing on a facilitator) is needed because roads around the airport are planned to go across airport safety areas," said Greg Delavan, airport manager. "We need to get all of the issues on the table so it can be decided what's best for the citizens of Kootenai County."

The design phase for the Ramsey Road extension, right of way preservation for the Huetter Road Corridor bypass project, the city of Hayden's land-use plan and the airport's master plan will be discussed.

"Given the diversity associated with what these plans and projects cover, and the amount of resources that will be required to achieve them, the KMPO board agreed having a third party convening the discussion provides an opportunity for stakeholders to participate in an objective and neutral process," said Glenn Miles, KMPO executive director.

The Ramsey and Huetter projects will allow for alternative north-south corridors between U.S. 95 and Highway 41.

Connie Krueger, Hayden's economic development director, said those projects were approved after public input about seven years ago.

"The city and other regional transportation bodies have proceeded for a number of years in accordance with these plans, moving forward on the Huetter bypass project by acquiring setbacks," she said.

Delavan said the airport has been in talks with neighboring property owners about acquiring land to allow for future airport expansion and safety zones. It would be nice to have the highway hurdles resolved to finish the acquisitions, he said.

"There's tentative agreements that haven't been completed, but, because we're in the middle of negotiations, I'm not allowed to discuss details," Delavan said. "The reason is to protect the landowner."

Delavan said less than 100 acres are being discussed. The properties would be purchased through Federal Aviation Administration grants.

"The concern for us and airports across the country is encroachment of housing and roads," he said. "You can't just pick up an airport and move it. When you put airports and roads too close, there's safety concerns.

"There are airports across the country that have compromised themselves by creating less-than-safe situations by allowing housing and roads to be too close to active airport areas. I don't want to be responsible for that kind of problem."

Delavan said the airport and its associated businesses are an economic benefit to Kootenai County that he's trying to preserve.

The KMPO is expected to consider the contract with Bracke Feb. 13. Miles said the scope of the work and cost are still being hammered out.

Agencies that will be involved in the stakeholder meetings include: Kootenai County, which operates the airport, the city of Hayden, Post Falls Highway District, Lakes Highway District and the airport advisory board and staff.

Agencies will have discussed the airport and road plans for nearly two years before bringing on the facilitator.