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MAC March 4, 1986 Mr. Frank Benson Federal Aviation Airport District 6301 34th Avenue Minneapolis, MN Mtg a poDU • Sala Pam METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Administration Office South 55450 RE: Gateway Airport Dear Mr. Benson: • PHONE (812) 728-1892 It is my understanding that the Federal Aviation Administration is currently considering incorporation of Gateway Airport into the National Airport Plan. The Metropolitan Airports Commission would support such action. This airport is incorporated in the Metropolitan Council's recently completed Aviation System Plan (carried out under a Federal Grant), and is also incorporated in Mn/DOT's State Airport System Plan. . Gateway Airport plays an important role in providing aviation service to the northwest portion of the seven county metropolitan area. The closest airports in the MAC system are Anoka County -Blaine Airport and Crystal Airport, both located a significant distance to the southeast. Due to. the demand for aviation facilities in this area, it is not surprising that the airport is currently supported by the City's of Elk River, Ramsey, and Anoka. The Metro Council's Aviation System Plan proposes that a new utility cate- gory airport be developed in Sparch Area A, located in the northwestern portion of Hennepin County. It is unlikely that a new facility will be developed in this area in the immediate future, and when such a facility is developed it would not provide service to the same area as is currently served by Gateway. For this reason, it would seem quite likely that both facilities would be necessary to allow the Twin Cities to maintain the high level of aviation service currently enjoyed. From data available, it would seem that the demand in the Gateway area is that of a utility category facility. Anoka County -Blaine Airport currently provides capability at the low end of the transport sdale, and provides adequate facilities for this category of aviation user in the northern and northwestern suburbs. The development of Gateway Airport consistent with utility category standards would be consistent with providing the level of aviation service necessary. Continuation of Gateway North is important to the overall metropolitan system due to the near capacity condition at Crystal Airport, and the legislative uncertainty with regard to expansion of Anoka County -Blaine Airport in the future. The potential for continued loss of aviation capacity in the metropolitan system should be avoided whe- never possible.