Strategy 5 was a key member of a team led by Reynolds, Smith and Hills in preparing a Master Plan for the Pocatello Regional Airport. The firm’s role was to determine market support, highest and best use, financial feasibility and other factors involved in developing Airport-controlled landside property that is owned by the City of Pocatello. The Pocatello Regional Airport has significant property holdings, although the facility is subject to flat-lined commercial passenger traffic and diminishing air service schedules dictated by airlines.
Strategy 5 prepared a Conceptual Development Program that maximizes landside property development with appropriate and synergistic uses that will enhance the Airport’s economic bottom line, as well as its brand and image within the community. Partnerships are key to the development strategy which leverages a presence by Idaho State University (College of Technology Aircraft Maintenance Program and an ISU Nuclear Accelerator), connections to rail lines and the Interstate highway system.
The Conceptual Development Program includes expanded ISU facilities, warehousing and distribution, advanced manufacturing, office, and hospitality and lodging venue. A solar energy installation is recommended as per FAA Guidelines developed in 2010. Much of this development will be hosted in the long-planned Pocatello Regional Airport Business Park. Total capital investment in future landside development is estimated at more than $100 million.
The Pocatello Regional Airport has strategic opportunities, but also faces challenges. It has a great resource in landside property that Strategy 5 LLC worked to develop in a maximal fashion. Several catalyst projects emerged from the work.