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I I I ! I I I I I ! I I I I I i I I Commissioner Patz stated that the VoTech does not even have an aircraft, they just provide the students. Discussion continued regarding the demand for an active airport and the need for better Fixed Base Operation and paved runways. Commissioner Soderholm stated that his business moved to Ramsey because of the Airport, but they continue to keep the airplane at the Crystal Airport. They spend $8,000-$10,O00/year on fuel and an equal amount in maintenance work that coul,d come to Gateway but they don't want to ruin their equipment by utilizing a dirt runway. Commissioner Soderholm also stated that the Economic Subcommittee has decided to send a form letter to FBO's regarding what is available at Gateway, they anticipate a lot of response, but not until there is a paved runway. Commissioner Sieber stated that if the only problem is the paved runway, why not pave it and not go through all the trouble to make Gateway a municipally owned airport. Commissioner Patz stated that State participation, with regards to funding, requires blacktop. Commissioner Greenberg stated that the property taxes have gone up 10 times to what they were and the private owners are no longer able to pay that amount. There is also the point of taxes to consider - gasoline tax and registration fees coming out of Gateway are $15,000-$18,000 per year and not one dime comes back to Gateway because it is a privately owned airport. Commissioner Patz noted that students come from all over the Country and VoTech is concerned that it is a disservice to the students to base the program at an airport that is not functioning right. Commissioner Sieber pointed out that the program is bringing revenues into Minnesota because of Out-of-State students residing here while in the two year program. Commissioner Patz noted that while it seems that the aviation world is being shaken, it is actually going very strong. Case #3: Receivin9 Report From Airport Economic Subcommittee: Commissioner Soderholm stated that he and Commissioners Patz and Morrow have met and resolved to do the following: 1. Prepare a study of airports and communities that have gone through similar situations and the results. e Prepare a report regarding potential economic impact at Gateway. In process of preparing a survey to be sent to business and industrial persons in the area to determine what is being spent for aviation related activities. Commissioner Soderholm then ~istributed copies of "A Study Of The Socio - Economic Impact Of Aviation On Selected Minnesota Communities, Prepared For Minnesota Department of Aeronautics" dated October, 1974. AP/October 13, 1983 Page 5 of 7