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Case #1: Introduction to Gateway North Industrial Airport: <br /> <br />Chairman Greenberg explained to the Commission the history of the airport and <br />the problems it faces. He stated that many businesses in and around Ramsey have <br />airplanes based at the airport and have come to depend on it. The airport has <br />served the community for ten years. It presently has about 30 airplanes~ half <br />of them are used commercially by local businesses and the other half are privately <br />owned. He further stated that many businesses located here specifically because <br />of the airport. I~ is also used by the Anoka AVTI students. The Tech Center <br />has an air traffic control and an aviation administration program in the airport <br />facilities. He went on to say that the airport needs financial help if it is to <br />survive. In order for this to happen it will have to become municipally owned. <br />It desparately needs to be upgraded. The runway is presently dirt and it is be- <br />coming more and more a problem. <br /> <br />Chairman Greenberg introduced three Ramsey businessmen in the audience who utilize <br />the airport and asked them to state their feelings. <br /> <br />~.~. Chuck Soderholm of Soderholm and Associates expressed his company's interest <br />in the future of the airport and explained that they built their new facilities <br />where they did because of the airport. They depend on aviation as a means of <br />travel and utilize the airport quite often. The company has two planes based at <br />the Crystal airport. He stated that the dirt field at Gateway North is very <br />damaging to the planes, however he feels that everything else is adequate. He <br />hopes the airport will continue to grow and improve and that what becomes of the <br />airport will definitely have an affect on Soderholm and Associates' future. <br /> <br />Dr. Mylrea stated that he moved here because of the convenience of the airport. <br />He owns a plane and makes frequent trips to Crosby, Milaca, Princeton, Mora and <br />Aitkin. He has had damages to his plane due to the dirt runway. He stated that <br />the airport has been somewhat of a disappointment. <br /> <br />Commissioner ~enkveld questioned the runways of the airports that he flies to in <br />-the other cities. He wondered how they compared with Ramsey's. <br /> <br />Dr. Mylrea stated.that all of the other runways are blacktopped or at least grassed <br />and are far better to land on and for the life of the plane. <br /> <br />Mr. George Carlson from Dickenson Bus Lines stated that his company uses the air- <br />port extensively and that they have two airplanes based there. He would like to <br />see a hard surfaced runway. It would save on propeller and engine life. <br /> <br />Chairman Greenberg asked if everyone felt that the runway size of 3,000 feet was <br />adequate for our needs if it was blacktopped. Everyone felt it would be adequate. <br /> <br />Mr. Carlson said that jets couldn't use the runway because it woo_ldn't be long <br />enough, however it would be for the present needs. <br /> <br />Dr. Mylrea wanted the Commission to realize that not only is the runway bad when <br />it's hard dirt and rocks fly and hit the airplane, but it is also bad in the spring <br />when the runway is soft and wet. There is a lot of equipment tied up because of <br />inadequate ground facilities. People will begin moving elsewhere if the situation <br />isn't improved. <br /> <br />EDC/January 12, 1983 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />