Airport Improvement Program March 11, 1988

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traffic control curriculums. Four AVTI personnel are employed in full and part-time positions serving 62 students enrolled in the 1987 program. (Refer to Appendix F.) An improved facility is of significant interest and vital importance to retaining these jobs, businesses, and educational opportunities in the community. Activity growth may result in additional fixed base operations (FBO) at the airport. These privately owned FBO's will require skilled and semi -skilled workers to provide services. The payroll for these employees at the airport will create long-term positive impacts since it can be expected that much of their money will flow through the local economy purchasing goods and services and paying taxes. In addition, the personal property taxes paid on each aircraft contributes to the overall tax base. Community Businesses Gateway North Industrial Airport was originally developed to serve the needs of the local business community. The Dickinson Bus Company was the first business to use and promote the air- port along with Holley Industries (now Mate Tool & Die), Dr. M.J. Mylrea, Howe Fertilizer and United Power Association. As is the case with all communities, some of the early businesses have gone and new businesses have taken their place. Among other businesses who use or have vendors and clients that use the airport are Y.R. Sharp Inc., Soderholm and Associates, American Shredded Paper, Waltek, American Trade -a -Bus, Cargill Research Farm, Cornelius Corp., Minnesota Sawdust, Iron Works Development Corp., Piper Homes, Langseth Construction, Lida Con- struction, Midwestern Mechanical, Beckman Produce and States Electric and Manufacturing Company. These companies represent a substantial number of employees (over 2,000) and payroll in the local area and the region. Time/Cost Savings One of the primary benefits of an airport is the time saved and resultant cost avoided by travelers who use the facility over the next best alternative. If it is assumed that the next best alternatives are continued use of general aviation aircraft but that aircraft trips would begin or terminate at other airports, substantial impacts occur. Alternate airports used in lieu of Gateway are assumed to be Anoka County, Crystal, Buffalo and Cambridge thus accounting for an additional 20 minutes of travel time (conservative) each time an itinerant passenger arrives or departs. The time savings (or lost) can be translated to dol- lars. Table 2-6 illustrates the potential economic loss to aviation users based on annual intinerant passengers, additional time lost, and dollar impact based on an average value of $25.00 per hour. 2-37