Airport Improvement Program August 3, 1988

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Responses to Comments of Mr. Paul Sitz, Ramsey Resident of April 28, 1988 Re: Gateway Airport EID Mr. Sitz questions the validity of using average noise as a descriptor for noise impacts. Day -night levels (Ldn) are the accepted standard for assessing impacts at general aviation airports. The EID acknowledges that single events may be above acceptable levels similar to occasional vehicles without mufflers operating on City streets. On the whole, noise impacts are well within acceptable levels. Mr. Sitz also questions the economic benefits of the airport inferring use of state and federal tax funds. In fact, grant monies for airport improvements are received from user generated funds on fuel taxes, excise taxes, etc. similar to highway trust funds. Recipients of airport improvement program grants must be airports of national significance listed in the national aviation system plan (NPIAS). The City is not under obligation to repay the grant when funds are used for airport improvements. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5070-6A addresses the use of federal or state funds, "In performing return on investment analysis one should not be bound to consider the Federal and state funds as investments requiring revenue coverage. The purpose of the governmental assistance programs is to meet overall system needs where it has been determined that such needs cannot be achieved through local revenue sources alone. Instead, the individual airports share in the revenues (user taxes) collected at the national and state levels". The EID does indicate that including the grant funds, the project still has a favorable 1:56:1 benefit to cost ratio. Mr. Sitz further questions the validity of reducing travel time as an economic benefit. Travel time was valued only for business users who otherwise would use alternative airport facilities and is a valid premise for establishing benefits to a community.