However, the closure of the airport has been a very controversial issue and its future remains unclear.
The University's plans for airport closure have been blocked in the state legislature on at least three occasions since the 2000 announcement.
Urban encroachment and the short runways led to the closure of the airport about 1970.
This resulted in the closure of the airport and the allocation of land to a park.
On July 8, 2009, the city council decided on a phased closure of the airport.
Over a thousand commercial flights were cancelled following airport closures.
These blizzards force the closure of the airport, schools, small streets, and alleyways.
It led to the closure of the airport for more than 24 hours and the diversion of all flights.
Smith argued that a vote on closure of the airport should be added to the October civic elections ballot.
Heavy snow can cause airport closures as it cannot be cleared while planes are landing and taking off.