Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an airport master plan?
• What is the goal or purpose of an airport master plan?
• What are the components of an Airport Master Plan?
• What is an Airport Layout Plan (ALP)?
• Why is the Durango-La Plata County Airport Master Plan being updated?
• Who is involved in the Airport Master Plan process?
• What are the key issues for this Airport Master Plan?
• Will the Airport Master Plan consider sustainability opportunities?
• What is the project schedule?
• What is the approval process?
• What are the planned outreach methods?
• Who will pay for the projects recommended in the Airport Master Plan?
• How can I follow or participate in the study process?

 

What is an airport master plan?

An Airport Master Plan is a comprehensive study that is used to determine the development plans of an airport. The Airport Master Plan acts as guidance in planning future airport facilities over a 20-year period. It considers future aviation demand, available funding, environmental components and airport needs that are associated with current demand as well as future growth.

What is the goal or purpose of an airport master plan?

The primary goal of an airport master plan is to provide guidance for future airport development. Secondarily, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a current airport master plan for the airport to remain eligible for federal grant funds. Master plans establish a set of development parameters and timelines that coincide with effectively satisfying forecast demand. While master plans vary in complexity, they aid in fiscal responsibility, reaction to industry uncertainties, and balancing airport improvements with local concerns.

What are the components of an Airport Master Plan?

Airport master plan components are established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Durango-La Plata County Airport Master Plan will include the following:

• an inventory of existing conditions including review and analysis of environmental considerations;
• a series of aviation activity forecasts to identify growth trends and changing conditions;
• determination of facility requirements to meet current and projected levels of aviation demand;
• development and analysis of alternative solutions to meet defined facility requirements for the 20-year planning period;
• financial implementation plan or capital improvement plan that identifies funding sources and project sequencing for the short term (1 to 5 years), intermediate term (5 to 10 years), and long term (10 to 20 years); and
• updated airport plans.

 The completion of the master planning process will result in the following two products.

1. Airport Layout Plan (ALP) - A set of plans that graphically depicts the phased development of the airport in accordance with federal airport operating and design standards. (Also see “What is an ALP?”)
2. Airport Master Plan Report - A written report which provides narrative descriptions and graphic presentation of the components of the master plan and ALP in a technically justified manner.
   
   

What is an Airport Layout Plan (ALP)?

An ALP is a specific drawing that that focuses on proposed improvements. It depicts features unique to the airport as well as various construction projects and future plans, like a blue print. The broader term “Airport Layout Plan Drawing Set” is used to describe several pages of drawings that serve as a graphical representation of a wide range of information and details related to airport facilities, proposed development, airspace, land use concerns, and property holdings. Drawing sets are prepared in accordance with strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines.

Why is the Durango-La Plata County Airport Master Plan being updated?

Updates are necessary due to the dynamic nature of the aviation industry and the airport’s community concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends updating airport master plans every 10 years. Master plan updates are a platform for safe and efficient operations, while also addressing airport improvement needs and community concerns.

The timing of this master plan update allows the consulting team to study the rapid growth in airline activity in an effort to establish plans to meet this new level of passenger demand. The airport user and community needs will be considered and solutions implemented as feasible.

Who is involved in the Airport Master Plan process?

Community participation and input is at the center this Master Plan Update. A robust public involvement process is being conducted that considers public input and continues to improve the public relationship. Parties such as airport users, tenants, local businesses, residents from the surrounding communities, stakeholders, commercial operators, passengers, and local representatives are included in the process. It is important that each party provides input so that the Master Plan may be developed responsively. A Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) has been established to help guide the direction of the Master Plan and offer feedback at critical points on elements within the plan as it is developed.  Additional information on the PAC may be found here.

What are the key issues for this Airport Master Plan?

Key issues for this Master Plan include:

• Community Engagement: it is essential to include the ideas and opinions from a broad group in the development of this plan that reflects the overall growth and health of the Four Corners Region.
•  Existing and Future Terminal Needs: the terminal does not meet existing needs thus finding a solution to meet both existing and future demand is the primary element of this study.
• Improved Surface Access and Parking: both elements are key to serving increasing passenger levels.
• Compatibility: Assuring that airport development remains compatible with both existing and planned development.
• Sustainability: reducing environmental impacts while maintaining stable or high growth for both the airport and the surrounding area is critical to future success.   

Will the Airport Master Plan consider sustainability opportunities?

Durango-La Plata County Airport is committed to meeting its needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A sustainable future is one to which the airport commits. Decisions will be made to minimize negative environmental and social impacts, respect nature and the well-being of the airport’s surroundings. Working towards sustainability is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while providing good function and service of your airport.

What is the project schedule?

Development of the Durango-La Plata County Airport is expected to take 18 months. Development of aviation demand forecasts, the development of alternative strategies, and finalization of the Master Plan are major milestones during this time. Formal adoption of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) is anticipated in early fall of 2015. The complete project schedule is located here. 

What is the approval process?

An airport master plan, including the Airport Layout Plan (ALP), is produced following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and regulations found in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5070-6, Airport Master Plans. Approval of the Durango-La Plata County Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan is obtained from The City of Durango and La Plata County, the joint legal sponsors, or owners, of the airport. The FAA does not technically approve the master plan text but “accepts” it but does ultimately approve the ALP drawing, indicating acceptance of the plan with respect to safety, efficiency, and utility of the airport. Additional approvals and steps are necessary before a project can move forward to the design and construction phases.

Local entities such as La Plata County and the City of Durango are encouraged to incorporate the approved plan into local planning.

What are the planned outreach methods?

The master planning process is, by nature, interactive. A multi-faceted public and stakeholder involvement program is being implemented so that interested parties will have an opportunity to participate at various points throughout the course of the study. During the update of the master plan the airport will be engaging the community at open houses and community meetings; through airport and tenant surveys; via airport tours; media (radio, newspaper and video); and through the Planning Advisory Committee. Please see the project schedule for approximate timing of these events.  

Who will pay for the projects recommended in the Airport Master Plan?

Users of our air transportation system (including people shipping packages, private pilots, airline passengers and corporate aircraft users) pay for the costs of developing the United States’ National Airspace System and a portion of public use airports. Similar to the national highway system, much of airports’ infrastructure is paid for with user taxes on airline tickets, air freight, and aviation fuels.

Typically, federal funding is provided by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and state funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Division of Aeronautics. AIP funds are derived from taxes on national and international travel, air cargo taxes, and noncommercial aviation fuel which are deposited in the federal aviation trust fund for the purpose of improving the nation’s aviation infrastructure. Ultimately, the airport users fund the local share for improvements through rent, fees, passenger facility charges and purchases at Durango-La Plata County Airport.

How can I follow or participate in the study process?

The simplest way is through this website. A key objective is for the community to take ownership of this initiative. Here, you can review the latest information and share your comments on the Comments page. Public meetings will be announced in advance of meeting dates. Important dates, meetings, conclusions, and project status/updates will be posted on this website. 

Stay informed by:           

• Visiting this website to review the draft report chapters and view meeting summaries from the Planning Advisory Committee as they become available.
• Follow the airport on Facebook and Twitter. 
• Attend the public open houses.
• Share your ideas - public questions and comments are welcome at any time during the study. The Contact Us page provides email addresses and phone numbers as well as an opportunity to sign up for the mailing list.