Purpose
Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation (WSDOT Aviation) operates 17 public-use airports. The majority of these airports are located near the Cascade Mountains; additional airports are also located along the Snake River.
In its inception, the purpose for the system of WSDOT-Managed airports was ostensibly to provide emergency landing areas in key locations. Today the airports are used for many additional activities, including fire-fighting operations, recreational aviation, and numerous non-aviation activities. The airports also provide transportation access to isolated communities or significant recreation areas. One of the WSDOT-Managed airports – Methow Valley State – is included in the national system and is eligible for federal funding.
Growing uncertainty in traditional airport funding sources has prompted WSDOT Aviation to evaluate existing conditions and identify future needs. Such evaluation is being conducted on a statewide scale through the agency’s Long-Term Air Transportation Study (LATS). The WMA study is designed to provide a necessary layer of additional detail for the WSDOT-Managed airports. It is necessary for WSDOT Aviation to examine the agency’s role in operating these airports, as well as the role each airport serves in the statewide aviation system. The WMA will help WSDOT understand the comparative benefit of investing in these airports versus others in the statewide system.
Project Goals
- Define the purpose and role of the WSDOT-Managed airport system through an independent assessment
- Conduct a detailed assessment of existing facilities
- Standardize airport operating agreements
- Identify policies, standards and operating procedures
- Integrate with the current statewide system plan effort LATS
Approach
Wilbur Smith Associates, a firm with expertise in aviation engineering and planning, will perform an independent assessment of the WSDOT-Managed airports and recommend a direction for future investment in the system. Once the assessment is completed, the consulting team and WSDOT Aviation will work with a Study Advisory Committee (SAC) to develop recommendations for policy and implementation strategies.
Key Dates
- February 2007: Project kick-off
- May – June 2007: Research and Report
- July 2007: Draft Independent Assessment
- January 2008: Draft plan and public comment
- Spring 2008: Final plan
Contact Information
To request copies of project materials or to submit comments, please contact:
Nisha Marvel
WSDOT Aviation Communications
(360) 651-6310
marveln@wsdot.wa.gov
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To request a project briefing, please contact marveln@wsdot.wa.gov
Related Documents
Communication plan (pdf 38 kb)
WSDOT-Managed Airports Independent Assessment (pdf 1 mb)