1988 Correspondence - Laserfiche WebLink

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Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities Area 300 Metro Square Building, 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Tel. 612 291-6359/TDD 291-0904 DATE: April 7, 1988 TO: Metro Systems Committee FROM: Chauncey Case, Transportation SUBJECT: Gateway North Industrial Airport - Environmental Impact Assessment Report, Referral # 12505-2, Council District 9 AUTHORITY TO REVIEW On April 14, 1988, the City of Ramsey held a public hearing to take citizen and agency comments on the Gateway North Industrial Airport EIAR. The Metropolitan Council is providing review and comment due to its designation as a clearinghouse for federally funded projects. It is also being reviewed for consistency with the Aviation Guide Chapter and requirements of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act concerning community comprehensive plan development and amendment. BACKGROUND Gateway North has been a privately owned, public -use facility which has been in operation since 1972. It is classified as a minor airport within the Metropolitan Airports System. A series of studies conducted for Ramsey between 1979 and 1981 assessed the need for an upgraded facility. A first study concluded that development of a facility on the present site would be "very difficult, if not financially impractical." An analysis of two alternate sites identified a parcel of property owned by General Mills as a preferred location, and recommended that the City proceed with negotiations for site acquisition. Community response, among other reasons, contributed to the ultimate rejection of that site. A comprehensive reassessment of the existing site was then undertaken and a draft master plan was completed in 1984. The Airport Layout Plan (ALP), developed as part of the master plan, was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on July 249 1987 after acceptance of the airport into,the National Plan of Integrated Airports System in April 1986. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION The 1984 draft airport master plan for Gateway Airport examined acquisition of the airport by the City of Ramsey and determined the improvements that would be necessary for compliance with standard federal airport standards. The master plan addressed the future activity growth and facility requirements for a 20 - year planning period. The major facility improvements recommended are: 1. Acquisition of approximately 230 acres of land including two commercial establishments and 19 residences to provide public ownership of the airport facility and associated runway approach zones. -1-