CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

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Candace Davidson
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1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Purpse and Scpe The infrmatin presented in this reprt represents the study findings fr the 2015 Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt Master Plan Update prepared fr the Grand Frks Reginal Airprt Authrity, the airprt wner. Airprt Master Plans are prepared in accrdance with Federal Aviatin Administratin (FAA) Advisry Circular (AC) 150/5070-6B, Airprt Master Plans. This prject was funded in part by the FAA under grant number AIP GFK Airline Terminal This Airprt Master Plan Update fr the Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt (GFK) will serve as an updated guide identifying future develpment necessary t accmmdate existing and future aviatin demands. The airprt s current and frecasted safety, capacity and cmpatibility needs are addressed in this study. Many prjects have been cmpleted and new planning cnsideratins have surfaced since the last Master Plan study was cmpleted in The scpe f the study was develped by the Grand Frks Reginal Airprt Authrity (Owner) and Kadrmas, Lee & Jacksn (KLJ) in cperatin with FAA Airprts District Office and Nrth Dakta Aernautics Cmmissin fficials t identify the specific needs and bjectives f the airprt wner. The scpe includes wrk tasks with the purpse f dcumenting existing cnditins, frecasting future aviatin activity levels, identifying future facility requirements, frmulating and evaluating develpment alternatives, preparing implementatin plans and engaging the general public and ther gvernment agencies. Recmmendatins will be made fr imprvements that are triggered by safety requirements r demand threshlds. The prject received ntice t prceed in August 2015 frm the airprt spnsr. The baseline prject data is frm inventry effrts cmpleted in Octber Data frm year 2014 was used t establish a baseline f existing airprt infrmatin, with available 2015 data used t validate trends. Backgrund The Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt/Mark Andrews Field was activated fr public use in 1963, replacing an existing airprt lcated clser t the city. GFK is lcated five miles nrthwest f the Grand Frks central business district. The airprt is wned by the Grand Frks Reginal Airprt Authrity and is part f the FAA s Natinal Plan f Integrated Airprts System (NPIAS). GFK is classified as a primary nn-hub cmmercial service airprt by FAA. The airprt has fur (4) runways; Runway 17R/35L is the airfield s primary runway (7,351 x 150 ), Runway 17L/35R (3,901 x 75 ), Runway 9L/27R (4,206 x 100 ), and Runway 9R/27L (3,300 x 60 ). Currently, Runways 17R/35L and 9L/27R are bth maintained by the airprt fr cmmercial aircraft usage, and perate under Federal Aviatin Regulatin (FAR) Part 139 standards as prescribed in the airprt s mst up-t-date Airprt Certificatin Manual (ACM). The Grand Frks Reginal Airprt Authrity wns apprximately 1,770 acres f land dedicated fr aernautical use. The airprt serves a multitude f aviatin activities such as scheduled cmmercial airline service frm Delta Air Lines and Allegiant Airlines, unscheduled air charter, air carg (reginal hub), air ambulance base, business/crprate air traffic, flight training and ther general aviatin services. GFK is hme t ne f the wrld s largest pilt training facilities run by The University f Nrth Dakta. Frm Octber Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-1

2 1, 2014 thrugh September 30, 2015, there were 303,871 takeffs and landings with 147 based aircraft accrding t the FAA. GFK enplaned ver 146,000 peple n cmmercial flights during this time. Planning Cnsideratins Planning cnsideratins fr an airprt master plan are features, elements r events that shuld be evaluated because they have the ptential t affect the airprt facility ver the lng term. Previus Planning Studies The last cmprehensive Master Plan study fr GFK was updated in An update t the airprt s Terminal Area Plan (TAP) was cmpleted in 2014 t help guide future develpment. Since the 2008 study there have been several imprvements cmpleted r in prcess at GFK: Cnstruct Runway 9R/27L, Parallel Taxiway S, and Taxiway E Decmmissining f the ld air carrier terminal building and parking area Cnstructin f a new air carrier terminal building, aircraft aprn and parking area Cnstructin f a Fixed-Base Operatr facility Cnstructin f a new Snw Remval Equipment (SRE) Building Cnstructin f a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Building (In-prgress) Demlitin f Taxiway Delta and Cnstructin f realigned taxiway The FAA recmmends that airprts update their planning dcuments every 7 t 10 years. This ensures the airprt is maintaining cmpliance with FAA design criteria. It als permits the airprt t review and adjust their visin fr the future. Because the last Airprt Master Plan is abut 8 years ld, there is a need t update the dcument and examine changes experienced since the 2008 reprt. Master plan studies typically evaluate frecasted elements 20 years beynd the baseline year. This planning study s baseline year is 2014, and evaluates frecast elements thrugh Lcal Cnsideratins The airprt has several lcal cnsideratins that need t be addressed in rder t craft a usable plan fr GFK. These can be gruped int three categries; 1) Safety/Standards, 2) Demand/Capacity and 3) Pavement/Preservatin. SAFETY/STANDARDS Land Use & Airspace Cmpatibility The airprt wner is respnsible fr limiting develpment and height f bjects near airprts t maintain land use cmpatibility with airprt peratins. This helps prvide a safe perating envirnment fr thse in the air and n the grund. Any prpsed imprvements t the runways will need t be cmpatible with current State and FAA standards. This study shuld prvide the framewrk fr the airprt t meet cmpatibility standards. It is recmmended the airprt reevaluate current land use cmpatibility standards fr lng-term airprt and cmmunity develpment. Critical Design Aircraft Since the last master plan in 2008, the airprt has experienced changes in aircraft types perating fr scheduled passenger and air carg peratins. The current aircraft type(s) perating at GFK shuld be quantified t establish existing and estimate future FAA airprt design criteria. The airfield gemetric needs f these critical design aircraft shuld be evaluated t determine if and when any airfield imprvements may be needed. Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-2

3 DEMAND/CAPACITY Airprt Capacity Analysis Since the last airprt master plan was cnducted in 2008, the airprt is experiencing significant peratinal grwth that has put strain n terminal facilities, runways/taxiways and airspace. It is imprtant the airprt evaluate their current runway/taxiway cnfiguratin and quantify capacity needs ver the next 20 years t meet aernautical demands. Runway 9L/27R Extensin Currently, Runway 9L/27R is classified as a runway prviding secndary air carrier service during high-crsswind cnditins limiting the use f Runway 17R/35L. Hwever, the existing runway length cannt accmmdate air carrier and reginal aircraft nw serving GFK. As such, the master plan study will evaluate the feasibility f a runway extensin t Runway 9L/27R and triggers fr its develpment. Passenger Terminal Area The passenger terminal was cnstructed in Frm the ntable grwth numbers, GFK is nticing cnstraints n the size f the terminal t meet existing passenger and airline demand. Existing autmbile parking and car rental facilities are als becming mre cnstrained as demand grws. General Aviatin Develpment As the airprt is cnfigured tday, the majrity f the general aviatin hangar structures are deterirating and are nearing the end f their useful life. Mrever, the airprt has limited areas t expand hangar develpment. While GFK updated their Terminal Area Plan (TAP) in 2014, the master plan study will verify and reevaluate the plan t ensure its cmpatibility with the lng-term visin f the airprt. UND Aerspace Needs This study will examine the University f Nrth Dakta s existing and future needs at GFK in an effrt t capture the entire airprt s needs and ensure verall airprt capacity needs are met ver the next 20+ years. PAVEMENT/PRESERVATION Pavement Preservatin Plan GFK must maintain airprt pavements s they remain usable t accmmdate regular use f aircraft peratins. The master plan will review a plan t rehabilitate r recnstruct prjects, evaluate financial feasibility, and als evaluate prper pavement strength. As a result f change in aircraft types using the airprt, it is imprtant t make sure pavement strengths are adequate and prevent unnecessary stress n them. Primary Runway 17R/35L Recnstructin Actin Plan Althugh a thrugh analysis has nt been cmpleted, Runway 17R/35L will need recnstructin f its pavement within this Master Plan perid. As such, there is a need t evaluate and create a plan s the airprt can minimize impacts t current aircraft peratins n a daily basis. Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-3

4 Figure 1-1 Planning Cnsideratins Map Surce: KLJ Analysis Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-4

5 Planning Objectives Based n the backgrund and planning cnsideratins, the planning bjectives fr this study identify the methds used t meet the airprt develpment gals utlined by the Grand Frks Reginal Airprt Authrity. The key prject bjectives are identified as fllws: Cmplete an airprt master plan study t current FAA and State standards tailred t the specific needs f GFK. Evaluate existing scial, built and natural envirnment including identificatin f critical issues such as wetlands, farmlands, radway alignments and prperty acquisitin that may affect the envirnmental clearance f future airprt develpment. Utilize the aviatin demand frecasts develped as the basis fr the new Master Plan frecasts. Identify a critical design aircraft fleet. Frmulate a clear understanding f the airprt s rle and the types f aircraft and aviatin activities it is expected t serve. This includes scheduled/unscheduled passenger, carg, general aviatin and University f Nrth Dakta (UND) flight training. Perfrm an airfield capacity analysis and identify pprtunities t increase airfield capacity and reduce delay. Identify airprt facility requirements based n FAA, State and lcal requirements. Areas f emphasis at GFK include: Runway needs fr the design aircraft (i.e. runway length, pavement strength) Airfield capacity (including airfield cnfiguratin) General aviatin facilities and majr tenants (including UND) Passenger terminal building including number f gates/hldrm space, baggage claim space and aircraft parking aprn space Rental car ready/return parking lt Air carg space requirements Airfield Perimeter Rad ptins Identifying cmpatible ptential nn-aernautical land uses Landside facilities including airprt radway alignment and autmbile parking Identify a develpment and actin plan fr the recnstructin f Runway 35L/17R, the airprt s nly air carrier runway while cnsidering ther airprt needs. Review a cmprehensive set f reasnable alternatives that meet the aernautical needs and lk t avid, minimize r mitigate impacts. Incrprate airprt develpment plans cnsidered since the last Master Plan study was cmpleted. Analyze the alternatives thrugh a technical, peratinal, financial and envirnmental investigatin. Evaluate plitical and public acceptance. Recmmend feasible preferred alternatives fr each functinal area f the airprt, with a particular fcus n the airfield. Identify land use cmpatibility standards including surrunding land use and airspace. Cmplete a separate Runway Prtectin Zne (RPZ) alternatives analysis package. Update the Airprt Layut Plan t current FAA standards. Develp an integrated, lng-term airprt develpment plan based n the preferred airprt develpment plan. Prpse an achievable financial plan t supprt the implementatin schedule, update the Capital Imprvement Plan (CIP). Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-5

6 Identify critical envirnmental cnditins and subsequent envirnmental evaluatins that may be required befre a prpsed prject is apprved. Cmplete a Slid Waste Management Plan in accrdance with FAA standards. Assist the airprt wner in develping stakehlder cnsensus n the airprt develpment plan(s) thrugh the executin f a public invlvement prgram. Engage varius stakehlder Fcus Grups made up f individuals r representatives with a cmmn airprt interest t help prvide directin and feedback in making planning decisins fr the Airprt s future. Develp cnsensus with lcal stakehlders n key airprt planning issues including airprt peratinal capacity and lng-range airprt develpment. Engage FAA and Nrth Dakta Aernautics Cmmissin (NDAC) representatives at several key pints in the prject. Update the Exhibit A/Airprt Prperty Map t current FAA standards. Cmplete an FAA aernautical survey cmpliant with FAA standards. Master Plan Prcess Guidelines fr cmpleting a Master Plan are set frth in FAA Advisry Circular 150/5070-6B. Each master plan study scpe and level f effrt is custmized t fit each individual airprt s needs and address critical issues. The Airprt Master Planning prcess invlves several crdinated steps. The master plan study fr GFK cnsists f the fllwing elements: Pre-Planning Airprt develpment cncerns are identified and planning bjectives prepared t address these issues. An verall visin fr the study is frmulated that will guide the prcess. Inventry f Existing Cnditins Overview f airprt setting and envirnment; infrastructure and assets which includes airside, landside and supprt facilities; airspace, navigatinal aids and airprt access utilizing data frm an FAA Aernautical Survey. Frecast f Aviatin Demand Using established frecasting methds, estimate current and prject future airprt activity fr general aviatin, air carg, and passenger enplanements. Demand/Capacity Analysis and Facility Requirements Cmpare the existing capacity with the future demand and identify the facility requirements t satisfy the aviatin safety, capacity and cmpatibility needs. Alternatives Develpment and Evaluatin Identify and evaluate ptins cnsidering bth nairprt and ff-airprt impacts cnsistent with the study gals and bjectives. A preferred alternative is selected. Envirnmental Overview Prvide an verview f anticipated envirnmental impacts as part f the develpment f alternatives. Implementatin Plan Prvide a cmprehensive plan fr implementatin f the preferred alternative including prject triggers, sequencing, and cst estimates. Land Use Cmpatibility Cmplete a cmprehensive review f land surrunding the airprt fr ptential uses that are incmpatible with safe airprt peratins and prvide mitigatin recmmendatins. Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-6

7 Airprt Layut Plan (ALP) Dcument the existing and planned airprt facilities thrugh a set f drawings apprved by the airprt spnsr, state and FAA. Stakehlder and Public Invlvement Prepare and execute a plan t engage imprtant airprt stakehlder and the public thrughut the study t gather their input and address their cncerns. Exhibit 1-2 Airprt Master Planning Prcess Surce: KLJ See Appendix X: Airprt Master Plan Prcess fr mre infrmatin n this tpic. Study Dcumentatin & Apprvals The Master Plan Update was divided int chapters f infrmatin t dcument airprt planning data, analysis, findings and recmmendatin f the study. The chapters included in the reprt are the fllwing: Chapter 1 Intrductin Chapter 2 Facility & Envirnmental Inventry Chapter 3 Aviatin Frecasts Chapter 4 Facility Requirements Chapter 5 Alternatives Analysis Chapter 6 Implementatin & Financial Feasibility Chapter 7 Envirnmental & Land Use Cmpatibility [DISCUSSION TO BE COMPLETED ONCE STUDY IS FINALIZED] Master Plan Frmat The required and recmmended cntents f Airprt Master Plans are detailed per FAA standards. Effective airprt master plans are based n the analysis f significant amunts f data, and many airprt master plans typically present nt nly the planning cnclusins, but all data and accmpanying analysis in cnsiderable detail. Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-7

8 This Master Plan presents data t supprt the plan in a series f appendices. As the reader mves thrugh the narrative descriptins, there are references t specific appendices t prvide additinal backgrund details and infrmatin. In additin, internet hyperlinks are included t reference dcuments that are current as f the time f this reprt. Public Invlvement Public invlvement is a key cmpnent t the successful develpment f an Airprt Master Plan study. The purpse is t encurage infrmatin sharing and feedback frm airprt stakehlders including the airprt wner, airprt users/tenants, lcal gvernment fficials, resurce agencies, elected and appinted fficials and the general public. Public invlvement prvides valuable input t assist the airprt wner in decisin making and develp cnsensus n study cnclusins. Stakehlder fcus grups were established t prvide input thrughut the life f the study. A listing f individuals wh participated in a fcus grup is lcated in Appendix X: Public Invlvement. The purpse f the fcus grup was t facilitate grup discussin and feedback frm different stakehlders grups, prviding recmmendatins t the airprt wner. Members represented the fllwing stakehlder grups: Grand Frks Reginal Airprt Authrity Airlines/Transprtatin Security Administratin (TSA) Airline Terminal Tenants (i.e. Rental Car) General Aviatin Airprt Traffic Cntrl Twer Air Carg U.S. Custms and Brder Prtectin (CBP) Federal Aviatin Administratin (FAA) Lcal Gvernment (City f Grand Frks, Grand Frks Cunty) University f Nrth Dakta Aerspace Grand Frks Air Frce Base [DISCUSSION TO BE COMPLETED ONCE STUDY IS FINALIZED] Prject meetings with Airprt, FAA Airprts District Office and Nrth Dakta Aernautics Cmmissin staff were held at key stages thrughut the prject t facilitate small grup cllabratin and feedback n study elements. See Appendix X: Public Invlvement fr ther infrmatin including cpies f public invlvement meeting agendas, attendees, presentatins and summaries. Cnclusin This Airprt Master Plan Update fr the Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt prvides the Grand Frks Reginal Airprt Authrity with a usable guidance dcument t assist with capital imprvement decisin making t meet aviatin demands fr the freseeable future. As with any planning study, assumptins made are subject t change due t unpredictable internal and external events. Fr this reasn, this study shuld be reviewed peridically t verify prject scpe and triggering events are still valid t meet the airprt need. Grand Frks Internatinal Airprt: Airprt Master Plan Chapter 1 Intrductin Page 1-8

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROPOSED AIR SERVICE AND FAA RESPONSIBILITY This dcument is the Envirnmental Assessment (EA) prepared by the Twn f Mammth Lakes and United Airlines t analyze, dcument, and