From Metropolitan Airports Commission - News Release:
FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY
Project Involves Airfield, Building and Utilities Improvements
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Representatives from the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce and Eden Prairie's Flying Could Airport Advisory Commission broke ground today on long-awaited enhancements to Flying Cloud Airport.
The $27 million expansion program includes runway extensions, new taxiways, additional hangar facilities, and sewer and water improvements. The project will allow more efficient use of the airport, enhance safety and increase aircraft storage capacity.
“This day has been nearly two decades in the making,” said MAC Chairman Jack Lanners, noting the extensive public study, planning and funding process that preceded construction. “By investing in the future of Flying Cloud Airport, we are investing in the future economic vitality of Minnesota.”
Presently, the longest runway at Flying Cloud is only 3,909', which is too short for many aircraft currently using the airport -- as well as quieter, newer-generation light and medium sized business jets -- to take off fully loaded. As a result, many businesses can't carry as many people, bags or cargo as their aircraft were designed to accommodate or can't fully fuel the plane before takeoff, limiting the distance they can fly without refueling.
Through the airport improvement project, Runway 10L/28R will be extended to 3,900' from 3,599' and Runway 10R/28L to 5,000' from 3,909'. Runway 10R/28L also will be widened to 100' from the current 75'. The taxiway system will be extended and navigational aids relocated to accommodate the longer runways. Development of a new south building area for hangars could begin as early as 2009 if demand warrants.
Funding for the project includes an estimated $8,650,000 in federal aviation grants for runway improvements. The estimated $10 million cost for the new building area development will be funded by airport users. The MAC, which owns and operates Flying Cloud Airport, will fund most of the remaining $8.4 million project cost.
Pat MulQueeny, president of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Eden Prairie Chamber has been a supporter of MAC's modernization plan for Flying Cloud Airport, and we are pleased to see that plan finally moving forward. We know that the runway extension and new hangars will add additional economic activity to the business community and help our businesses compete in today's marketplace.”
A 2005 study by Wilder Research estimates Flying Cloud Airport generates $80 million in annual economic activity and supports 775 area jobs. About 450 aircraft are based at the airport, which accommodated 117,000 aircraft landings and takeoffs in 2007.
The MAC reached agreement with the city of Eden Prairie regarding the airport expansion in 2002 and received final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration this summer.
“As an Eden Prairie resident, I am pleased that the final piece of the city of Eden Prairie and MAC agreement for modernization of the airport is now underway,” said Rick King, Flying Cloud Advisory Commission Chairman. “Eden Prairie has derived great benefits from the agreement, including several parks and ball fields used by many residents. Overall, the project will bring new vitality and energy to the airport and provide economic benefit to the area.”
MAC Chairman Jack Lanners said the value of Flying Cloud Airport reaches well beyond Eden Prairie. “Flying Cloud is a regional asset with regional impacts. It contributes to the strength of companies and economies in places like
Chaska and Chanhassen, Waconia and Hopkins, Edina and Shakopee, Victoria and Shorewood. The airport connects the entire southwest metropolitan area to communities around the nation. By investing in improvements, we will make Flying Cloud an even more valuable regional asset in the years ahead.”
FLYING CLOUD EXPANSION TIMELINE
Activity Scheduled to Begin Completion Goal
Land acquisition and planning complete
Sanitary sewer and water installation summer 2008 fall 2008
Expansion of Runway 10L-28R summer 2008 fall 2008
Expansion of Runway 10R-28L summer 2009 spring 2010
Relocation of navigational aids summer 2009 spring 2010
South building area development summer 2009 winter 2010