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Missoula International Airport is poised to expand via a $6.1 million purchase Friday of about 405 acres southeast of the airport's existing footprint, according to officials.

Airport director Cris Jensen said the purchase will provide a noise buffer and room for future growth.

“Initially, we have no plans for the acreage,” Jensen said. “It is all just set aside for future airport development.”

He said the airport exercised on option for the acreage that dates back to the 2003 purchase of 115 acres from Missoula veterinarian Earl Pruyn, who died in June. That acreage, which is vacant, provided “approach protection” - the Federal Aviation Administration's requirement that airports control land in close proximity to the end of runways.

Jensen said the option, which is set to expire in November, specified that the authority could buy the adjacent land for $15,000 an acre. If it failed to do so, Pruyn's estate could buy back the 115-acre parcel at $7,500 an acre - or half the price the authority paid five years ago.

“The majority of the deal was struck and this really just involves setting up signatures” with lawyers for Pruyn's trust, Jensen said.

Asked about the timing of the purchase, Jensen said he wanted to allow for ample time if “hiccups” occurred. He also wanted to consummate the deal at the start of the authority's new fiscal year, which began July 1.

“We wanted to allow for any unforeseen circumstances, so we would have time to deal with them,” he said.

Jensen said the airport, which serves five carriers, will have 2,600 acres once the acquisition is completed.

In late 2007, the authority embarked on a 20-year master plan for the airport that will provide a blueprint for future growth. The plan should be completed next year, Jensen said.

The 22-member steering committee is working out details on aviation and nonaviation issues for the airport ranging from parking to a future parallel runway.

Reporter Pamela J. Podger may be reached at 523-5241 or at Pamela.podger@missoulian.com

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