DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced today that a multi-year Airport Master Plan (AMP) process for Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) has begun with the launch of a dedicated website. The new website includes information about the planning process and a sign-up option for those who wish to receive updates on the AMP process and timeline.
The website, MSNmasterplan.com , is now live.
Airport Master Plans are required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure eligibility for federal grants for future projects. The planning process is guided by FAA Advisory Circular 150/5070-6B. Last month, the Dane County Board approved and County Executive Agard signed a contract with SEH, Inc. to facilitate the AMP process.
“As the fastest-growing county in the state, we must plan for the future growth of Dane County Regional Airport,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Planning for future growth now is the best way to ensure our airport continues to meet the needs of travelers and remains a strong economic driver for the South Central Wisconsin region.”
Airport Master Plans are driven by FAA standards and grant assurances and are typically completed every 10 to 15 years to help keep future projects eligible for federal funding. The scope of this AMP was developed by the Dane County Regional Airport team in conjunction with the FAA and the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA).
The FAA approved the scope of work earlier this year and is covering 90% of the $5.8 million total cost, with the BOA and MSN each covering 5%. The comprehensive scope will update the airport’s previous Master Plan, which was completed in 1993.
The multi-year process will prioritize community engagement and input and will include numerous technical advisory committees. The AMP is a long-range planning tool that will be used by MSN and the FAA to document current airport facility conditions and forecast future needs so they can be incorporated into future project planning.
The process begins with a complete airfield evaluation and includes numerous other components, including:
- Property inventory mapping
- Environmental assessments
- Examination of future needs and demands
- Airport Geographic Information System (AGIS) survey
- Parking and ground transportation evaluations
- Future development options on airport property
The goal of the AMP is to maximize existing airport assets and plan for future growth by identifying potential projects that could be completed over the next 10 to 20 years. The process will produce a full Master Plan update and an updated Airport Layout Plan, both of which will require approval from the FAA upon completion.
Projects identified through the AMP will still be required to undergo applicable environmental reviews and standard construction approval processes before construction can begin.
About Dane County Regional Airport
Dane County Regional Airport provides convenient, accessible air service for residents, businesses and visitors throughout Dane County and South Central Wisconsin. The airport serves as an important transportation hub and economic asset for the region, connecting travelers to destinations across the country and beyond.
