HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2009-22 - Opposing Met Council's Proposal to Amend Airport Classifications - 03/17/2009 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-22
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL'S PROPOSAL TO
AMEND AIRPORT CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE TWIN CITIES REGIONAL
AIRPORT SYSTEM PLAN
WHEREAS,the Metropolitan Council has established a Twin Cities Regional Airport
System Plan identifying the classification of each airport within in the system, among other
things; and
WHEREAS,the classifications for the Metropolitan Airports Commission(MAC)
system of airports include: major, intermediate, and minor use airports; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council classification for minor use airports include:
Anoka County-Blaine, Flying Cloud, Airlake, Crystal, Lake Elmo, and South St. Paul, with a
primary runway length between 2,500 and 5,000 feet; and
WHEREAS,the Metropolitan Council classification for intermediate use airports include
St. Paul-Holman,with a primary runway length between 5,001 and 8,000 feet; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota statutes state the MAC shall not use revenue from any source for
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. The law defines minor use
airport as an airport with a runway or runways of length no longer than 5,000 feet; and
WHEREAS,the Metropolitan Council is proposing to amend the classifications of the
MAC system of airports by splitting minor use airports into minor I and minor II categories that
include new primary runway length definitions without limits within its category, and
establishing a new primary runway length definition for intermediate use airports, the next higher
category, beginning at 6,000 feet; and
WHEREAS,the Metropolitan Council proposal to amend the classifications as discussed
above creates ambiguity between runway length and the intent of state law; begins to erode
safeguards on the type and size of aircraft that may use these minor airports and the associated
noise impacts on surrounding communities.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Eden Prairie
that this City Council recommends that the Metropolitan Council abandon its proposal to amend
the classifications of the MAC system of airports by splitting minor use airports into minor I and
minor II categories, and abandon the proposed primary runway length definitions without limits
within each category, and abandon its proposal to establish a new primary runway length
redefining intermediate use airports beginning at 6,000 feet and retain current state law.
ADOPTED by the City Council on March 17, 2009.
Phi Young, Mayor
ATTEST:
Al&l� 9&—
K leen Porta, City Clerk