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of the reliever study, the MAC has embarked on long-range planning efforts <br />that focus on the relocation of MSP as a long-term solution to regional <br />capacity needs. The reliever study focuses on reliever system needs that can <br />be addressed in the interim. <br />The Metropolitan Council undertook an adequacy study to assess MSP's <br />ability to serve the region's long-term air carrier needs. As a result of the <br />adequacy study and MAC's internal planning efforts, additional studies are now <br />underway to determine the needs of the reliever airport system, to plan for <br />capacity and facility enhancements at MSP, and to design a prototype <br />replacement for MSP. As mentioned, MSP's current capacity situation is also a <br />factor driving the Regional System Reliever Airports Study. <br />State law mandates that if a new site for MSP is pursued, it must be <br />located within a corridor of equal distance from Minneapolis and St. Paul. <br />This law was 'created as a result of the two cities merging their aviation <br />activities. It was created in an effort to give each city equal access to any <br />new facilities. In response to this, MAC has authorized a study to design a <br />replacement airport prototype to help determine land requirements. Issues such <br />as land acquisition, size of land envelope, and the need to meet other criteria <br />are currently being discussed. <br />Development of a new air carrier airport to serve the Minneapolis -St. <br />Paul area will take 10 to 15 years. In the meantime, as demand at MSP <br />continues to approach 100 percent of the airport's capacity, steps must be <br />taken to enhance the reliever system's operating capacity. In concert with the <br />plans being studied to extend the operational life of MSP, a sound and <br />efficient reliever airport system is important. By providing attractive general <br />aviation facilities in the region, the reliever concept can help to improve the <br />demand/capacity relationship at MSP through demand management. The <br />Regional System Reliever Airports Study is an important step in ensuring that <br />adequate aviation facilities are in place to meet the long-term aviation needs <br />of the Minneapolis -St. Paul region. <br />-7- <br />