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Concerned Citizens of
the North Metro (CCNM)
the North Metro (CCNM)
This is our country, and the public is us!
- The Metropolitan Airports Commission web page on the Anoka County Blaine
Airport.
landings as well as how many aircrafts are based at any particular airport plus
several links regarding Mac's Reliever Airport System.
| Resolutions Opposing Expansion of Anoka County Blaine Airport Adopted by City Councils of : |
FACT SHEET: November 10, 2009
Anoka County-Blaine Airport
Summary on progression to 5,000-foot runways for minor airports
to request for 6,000-foot runways at minor airports
• Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has two airports to handle large aircraft: Its Major airport MSP - 3,100 acres; and its Intermediate airport Downtown
St. Paul/Holman Field – 540 acres.
• ANOKA COUNTY-BLAINE Airport (AC/B) is a Minor airport - size, 1,900 acres.
• In comparison, the size of other airports: New York’s LaGuardia – 680 Acres; Boston’s Logan Field – 2,384 acres; Midway in Chicago – 320 acres.
• AC/B airport was built in late 40’s, early 50’s and has always been defined and used as a minor airport..
• In 1978, Metropolitan Council (Met Council) Aviation Development Guide said minor airport runway lengths were limited to 2,500 to 4,000 feet. Intermediate
airports runways range from 4,001 to 8,000 feet. In 1980 a law was passed to tie minor airport runway lengths to this Met Council Aviation Development Guide. But
development guides can be changed so a law with specifics was needed. The new law (see the next point) was a compromise with the MAC – going from a limit of 4,000-
foot runways for minor airports to 5,000 feet with the installation of an ILS (Instrument Landing System) for safety reasons.
• In May 2000 a new law (MS473.641, Subd.4) was passed. It stated: “…construction of air facilities to expand or upgrade the use of an existing metropolitan airport
from minor use to intermediate use status without approval in a law. For the purposes of this section, a minor use airport is defined as an airport with a runway or runways
of length no longer than 5,000 feet".
• In June 2007 AC/B airport’s extension of its E/W runway from 4,000 feet to 5,000 feet w/an Instrument Landing System (ILS) was completed. Note: AC/B’s N/S
runway remained at 4,855 feet long.
• In late 2007 Key Air/Key Aviation and Anoka County entered into a public/private partnership as an LLC and in August 2008 Key Air, a charter business, opened for
operation.
• On November 18, 2008 Anoka County’s Airport Subcommittee wanted to pass a Resolution asking for 6,000-foot runways at AC/B airport and change the law to
accomplish this. The Anoka County Commissioners dropped the idea upon hearing objections from residents.
. Since November 2008 Resolutions opposing a 6,000-foot runway at ANY minor airport In MAC’s system of reliever airports were passed by six cities: Lexington,
Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, Centerville and Eden Prairie.
• In January 2009 Key Air Aviation hired a lobbyist at MN’s State Legislature.
. On March 19, 2009 Key Air sent a formal letter to MAC requesting a 6,000-foot E/W runway at AC/B airport with a weight bearing capacity of a double wheel :
95,000 pounds.
. On Wednesday June 24, 2009, an email from Key Air was sent to MAC withdrawing its request for a 6,000-foot runway at the ACB airport with the caveat that the
request would be revisited “...when economic conditions in the industry and airport operations stabilize and begin to return to normal…”
• Currently MAC is upgrading the Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP) for AC/B airport. Schedule for release of AC/B airport’s LTCP is November 23, 2009 and
available for review. A 30-day comment period would be open until December 22, 2009. MAC will review comments and write responses from January 2 to January 22,
2010. On February 3, 2010 MAC will request authority to submit the LTCP to the Metropolitan Council. MAC has stated that in the future a 6,000-foot runway could be
requested and considered by MAC. MAC also acknowledged that a 6,000-foot runway at the AC/B airport is not a safety issue; it is an economic issue.
• At the same time the AC/B airport’s LTCP is being written, the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) is gathering information for its Transportation Aviation Plan.
Met Council has hired a consultant, Wilber Smith Associates (www.wilbursmith.com) who have suggested changing minor airport definitions to: Minor I (limit runways to
4,500 feet long) and Minor II (limiting runways to 6,000 feet). Now, Intermediate airports runways are defined as being 5,001 to 8,000 feet long.
• AC/B airport operations have gone from 156,000 in 2000 to 69,400 in 2008 due to expense of fuel and the overall economic situation.
AC/B new operation figures: Operations from January to August 2008 – 49,786; from January to August 2009 – 47,430.
Alternative to Opposition of Changing the Law
Defining Minor Airport’s Runway Lengths:
Tier 2 Air Service Study –
Minnesota in Partnership with Wisconsin,
June 2003, Executive Summary
(www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/avoffice/pdf/executivesummary.pdf)
The Metropolitan Council and the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC) does airport planning for the metro area of Minneapolis-St. Paul’s seven-counties. MAC has
one major airport in its system (MSP) and one intermediate airport (St. Paul Downtown Airport/Holman Field) and five reliever (minor) airports (Flying Cloud;
Airlake/Lakeville; Lake Elmo; Anoka County-Blaine; Crystal). It also recognizes four other non-MAC airports: Forest Lake Airport, South St. Paul’s Fleming Field;
Surfside Seaplane Base in Lino Lakes and Lino Lakes Air Park (private use airport).
All of these airports are within a twenty-mile radius of the Twin Cities. If one were to drive around the cities in a circle on the freeway system, these airports are not more
than twenty minutes apart from each other.
The Twin Cities is saturated with airports. With one major airport (MSP) and one intermediate airport (Downtown St. Paul) there is an overabundance of choices for
aircraft landing fields and storage facilities.
Because of this fact, there was a study undertaken in June 2003 called “Tier 2 Air Service Study – Minnesota in Partnership with Wisconsin, Executive Summary”. This
study concluded that other airports should be used in planning for aviation on a statewide basis.
St. Cloud Airport is underutilized and is considered a two-tier reliever for MSP. 80% of the area’s potential passenger load is driving to MSP because the St. Cloud
facility was inadequate (now this has been addressed) and flights are not originating from there. Only St. Cloud can address the capacity issues at MSP, not the five-
minor/reliever airports in the Twin City area. Duluth and Rochester MN can also be considered – along with Wisconsin’s Eau Claire Airport.
Two 2 Airports can participate in the Minnesota System of Airports (see report) as:
. Gateways to mainline carrier networks
. Reliever airports for Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport
. Business centers for aviation-related and commercial enterprises
. Regional triage centers
. Aircraft maintenance centers
. Cargo and cargo distribution facilities
. Recipients of MSP airport divestiture
. Multi-modal transportation hubs
. National Guard headquarters and military training and deployment centers
. Incubator or test sites for new solutions for community air service.
Fact Sheet written by CCNM member:
Barbara Haake; 3024 County Road I; Mounds View, MN 55112
Phone: 763.786.1022; email: trubador2@msn.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Meeting with MAC preceding vote by MAC Commission to approve the public/private partnership at AC/B airport for Key Air: November 19,
2007 (following are both documents):
From: DVStarr@aol.com
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 10:28 PM
To: DVStarr@aol.com
Subject: MAC Commission 19 Nov 07
AC Commission 19 Nov 07
Prior to the Full Commission meeting, there was a Special Management & Operations Committee meeting to consider the Anoka County/MAC/LLC Development and Least
negotiations.
The original agreement with Anoka County dates back to August 2005. During 2006, MAC constructed the runway extension and installed the ILS system with funds provided by
Anoka County. However, the County’s LLC did not begin construction of an FBO facility on the 39 acre “Northwest Building Area” as had been expected. The vast emptiness of the
area was a source of frustration to tenants, MAC, and County officials. Within the past year, the membership of the LLC changed. Hollis Cavner was asked by Anoka County to get
involved. Mr. Cavner is a Principal Partner of Pro Link Sports, organizer of the 3M Championship PGA Golf Tournament as well as other tournaments in the PGA Tour. Mr. Cavner
and three associates assumed control of the LLC. They hired Michael Hodges, Aircraft Business Solutions, to help them recruit potential FBOs. Mr. Hodges’ work is well known to
Reliever tenants as he ws the consultant hired by MAC to conduct two complete studies of Reliever Airport rates and charges. The LLC determined that they needed to have changes
made to the original MAC/Anoka County/LLC agreement in order to create a viable business development plan. The motivating deadline to have an FBO built and operating is the
Republican Convention in September 2008.
Gary Schmidt, MAC Director of Reliever Airports, introduced Hollis Cavner to the Commissioners. Mr Cavner told the Commissioners that he was in the golf business, not the airport
business. After being asked by Anoka County to be involved, his group began working with Michael Hodges. They shortly determined that they needed a management partner with a
financial stake. They knew they wanted to compete with Signature FBO at MSP and with Regent at STP. The group they found to partner with has three components.
Rizvi Traverse is the financial backer-owner: http://rizvitraverse.com
Keystone Aviation is the FBO: http://www.keystoneav.com
Key Air is the aircraft manager: http://www.keyair.com
Mr. Cavner concluded that the proposed facilities will really “reliever” MSP & MSP, and MAC will be delighted with the look of the Northwest Area.
Next to the podium was Viq Shariff from Rizvi Traverse. He told the Commissioners that Rizvi Traverse has $300 Million under management with about a third of that in aviation
related investments. They are also into media-entertainment and financial services. He emphasized that Key Air & Keystone Aviation Services facilities have a country club
atmosphere that caters to luxury. They work with late model large aircraft and expect to manage them.
Currently, Keystone is the FBO at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC) in Connecticut. Their huge hangers are extraordinarily clean and organized. They have plans toexpand in Florida
and Los Angeles as well as in Minnesota.
Their plans for ANE include a 15,000 square foot terminal building. By the time the Republican Convention is held, they expect to have the terminal building and one 60,000 square
foot storage hanger completed. Eventually, a 45,000 square foot maintenance hanger and additional 60,000 square foot storage hangers will be built.
The FBO will be selling jet fuel. They will not handle 100LL av-gas or service piston aircraft.
Commissioner Rehkamp asked if MAC could implement landing fees similar to what has been done at STP. Evan Wilson, MAC attorney, replied that Ordinance 101 will apply and can
be changed by the Commission, so landing fees could be imposed.
Evan Wilson was complemented for his extraordinary time and effort in working through all the details with the LLC, Rizvi Traverse, Keystone Aviation, and Key Air.
The Committee unanimously voted in favor of the proposal.
Jon Olson, Anoka County Public Services Division Manager, and Anoka County Commissioner Scott LeDoux were clearly pleased by the positive response.
Full Commission
MIC (Crystal Airport)
The MIC Long Term Comprehensive Plan had been tabled by the Finance, Development, and Environment Committee earlier this month. However, Nigel Finney did tell the
Commissioners that it would be on the FD&E agenda in December. He added that because the issue was so controversial, the meeting could be anticipated to be long and so the
meeting would probably start well before the normal 10 AM time. The time will be posted on the MAC website prior to the meeting.
Bruce Wiley, owner of numerous rental hangers on MIC, attended the meeting “just in case they have a discussion!”
ANE (Anoka County-Blaine Airport)
Commissioner Landy told the Full Commission that the earlier Committee discussion regarding the ANE development had been quite thorough. He added that this was a very exciting
development. Commissioner Westerberg commented that ANE was in his MAC Distict. He said he had talked with all parties involved and would be voting for the proposal. The
unanimous vote in favor of the proposal was followed by Chair Lanners comment that this was a perfect example of a public-public-private partnership.
Arlo Enerson and John Krack, officers of the Anoka County Aviation Association, attended the meeting to show support for starting construction as soon as possible.
Vivian Starr
(Anoka County Aviation Association)
Metropolitan Airports Commission Meeting
Full Commission Meeting
Monday, November 19, 2007
Excerpts from November 19, 2007 MAC meeting:
www.metroairports.org/mac/appdocs/meetings/fc/minutes/fc_m_789.pdf
Special Management and Operations Committee – Board File No. 13113
1. Recommendations Re: Anoka County/MAC/LLC Development and Lease Negotiations
Chairman Landy stated that the Special M&O committee meeting was to approve execution of the Third Amendment to the Northwest Building Area Development and Lease
Agreement. A number of questions were raised regarding MAC’s ability to retain control of the development and operation of the airport with a third party commercial operator
providing services, especially in the event of a bankruptcy. Staff responded that all rules and requirements that pertain to any commercial operator on the field will also pertain to the
LLC and the issue of bankruptcy will be handled in the same manner as with current lease practices. Chairman Landy expressed his excitement for the development and stated that it
is the perfect example of a public/private partnership and the Commission looks forward to a first class facility at Anoka County.
Commissioner Westerberg stated the Anoka County/Blaine Airport is in his district and he has been in constant contact with the County, LLC and airport tenants and is very
supportive of the agreement.
Commissioner Rehkamp stated the minutes under “Ownership of Improvements” does not reflect as was requested at the meeting, that the ownership of the hangers, tanks and
additional improvements would revert to the MAC and requested that the official minutes reflect that change. Staff responded that the change would be made and read as follows:
“Ownership of hangers, tanks and additional improvements will revert to MAC in the event the LLC does not sign a subsequent lease with MAC at the expiration or earlier termination
of the Lease.”
COMMISSIONER LANDY MOVED AND COMMISSIONER NELSON SECONDED APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTION OF THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE NORTHWEST BUILDING
AREA DEVELOPMENT AND LEASE AGREEMENT AS DESCRIBED; CONSENT TO THE FIRST COMPLETE AND SUPERSEDING AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER GROUND SUBLEASE
AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AS DESCRIBED; FURTHER TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Eight Commissioners Landy, Nelson, Peilen, Rehkamp, Warner, Westerberg, Williams and Chair Lanners
Nays: None
Absent: Commissioners McKasy, Boivin, Foley, Harris, Mars, Sigel and Stenerson
Go to www.co.anoka.mn.us/economicdevelopment/airport.pdf to see details regarding airport – published by Anoka County.
Anoka County/Blaine Airport
Increased dependence on reliever airports has resulted in a demand for improved facilities. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), Anoka County, and the City of Blaine have
entered into a unique partnership to provide major improvements to the Anoka County/Blaine Airport. The planned improvements for this very important public asset will not only
result in a more convenient and functional airport, but will also enhance general aviation safety, reduce noise, and spur economic growth in the community.
Completed improvements include:
• Extending the east-west runway to 5,000 feet from the current 4,000 feet, making it usable by more planes in more weather conditions.
• Lengthening the parallel taxiway serving the east-west runway.
• Installing an instrument landing and approach lighting system to enhance safety and reduce noise, particularly in low-visibility.
• Constructing road access, sanitary sewer and water systems, and mitigating wetlands impacted by the development.
Anoka County issued approximately $20 million in general obligation bonds to finance most of the improvements.
The MAC will contribute $2 million in federal Airport Improvement Program grants, as well as an anticipated $450,000 in federal airport entitlement funds.
The City of Blaine will own and operate water and sanitary sewer lines serving the new hangar development area.
The county will lease the 40-acre development area on the northwest side of the airport from the MAC for a 30-year period, and sublease the hangar area to Anoka Airport
Development LLC, which will develop hangars and lease them to aircraft owners and commercial operations.
A new Fixed Base Operation (FBO) is also coming soon. The new FBO will cater to the small jet sector of general aviation. Anoka County has entered into a long-term lease with
Anoka Airport Development LLC, which will own and operate the FBO. The first phase is scheduled to be open by September 1, 2008 and will include at least 7,500 square feet of
terminal space and 20,000 square feet of hangar space. Upon full build out, the Northwest Building Area of the airport will have over 250,000 square feet of hangar space.
Northwest Building Area
These improvements will make the airport safer and more functional for business, as well as decrease noise for area residents. In addition, property taxes on hangars and aviation-
related businesses constructed in the new development, as well as revenues from the sublease to Anoka Airport Development LLC, will provide revenue sources the county can use to
help repay the bonds.
From MAC’s Finance, Development and Environment Committee Regular Meeting – Wednesday, December 5, 2007:
A2. FINAL PAYMENTS – MAC CONTRACTS – CF 386
The following final payments were submitted for consideration:
a. Anoka County-Blaine Airport: Runway 9/27 Extension/Widening
MAC Contract Number 110-1-026
Contractor: Northwest Asphalt, Inc
Construction Budget: $4,860,000 (adjusted)
Net Contract: $4,639,646.08
Final Payment: $83,162.83
b. Anoka County-Blaine Airport: Northwest Building Area Taxiway FBO
Apron, Access Road & Utilities
MAC Contract Number 110-1-027
Contractor: Glenn Rehbein Excavating, Inc.
Construction Budget: $6,000,000
Net Contract: $5,457,285.42
Final Payment: $13,404.41
COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS MOVED AND COMMISSIONER NELSON SECONDED, TO RECOMMEND TO THE FULL COMMISSION ACCEPTANCE OF THE WORK COVERED BY
THE CONTRACTS FOR THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNTS AS INDICATED AND THAT FINAL PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTORS IN THE AMOUNTS INDICATED BE
AUTHORIZED, SUBJECT TO THE CONTRACTORS’ SURETY COMPANIES, THE MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.