New Passenger Terminal Public Comment

Please review the proposed development alternative and summary sheet to gain an understanding of the terminal proposal.  Your comments may be recorded on either the MS Word card or the PDF card; please mail the comment card to the address noted.  Comments will be included in the Environmental Assessment (EA) document.  Should the comments require a response, one will be sent directly to the individual.  If significant concerns are recorded regarding the proposed development, a public hearing may be scheduled following issuance of the draft EA document.  The draft study is anticipated to be available in the October/November 2012 timeframe. 

In planning the replacement of the 1959 terminal, the Airport Authority studied three site locations for the new terminal.  The location that made the most sense was south of the intersection of the two runways (proposed development alternative).  To be able to use this location, the Authority coordinated the construction of an interchange on Highway 245 and E19th St.  The interchange would bypass railroad crossings and avoid bringing traffic through the Rondo residential community.  It made sense to construct the interchange regardless of whether the terminal was ultimately built or not.  Plans originally called for closing the E19th grade-level crossing as part of converting Highway 245 to I-49.  At a minimum, the new interchange would serve the existing industrial park while safely separating crossing traffic from the higher speeds of I-49. 

Construction traffic and future passenger traffic would be routed from Highway 245 and the E19th St exit ramp to the new Airport entry road which will use a "roundabout" to slow and direct traffic into and out of the Airport.  The road design and signage would prevent airport traffic from inadvertently continuing into the heart of the Rondo community.  The project will be developed in a way that protects the historical and residential ambiance of Rondo.  Aircraft using the Airport will continue to fly the same patterns they fly today.  The Airport plans to maintain the tree stands that add beauty and act as a barrier to sound and light transmission beyond the airfield. 

Again, please use one of the two comment cards to provide feedback on any concerns you may have.  Thank you for your time and thoughts on this important initiative. 

Stephen Luebbert
Airport Director