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Expand MSP airport or study options

Published (2/25/2010)
By Sue Hegarty
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A lot has happened in the world of aviation since the last Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Long-Term Comprehensive Plan was drafted in 1996.

Emerging from its $3.2 billion expansion program, the Metropolitan Airports Commission is proposing $2.4 billion in additional improvements, primarily at the state’s largest airport.

An updated comprehensive plan, presented to the House Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division Feb. 24, calls for gate additions, a cross-bound taxiway for planes, inter-terminal light rail expansion, a hotel operated by a third party and remodeling at both terminals. The improvements would be completed by 2030.

After receiving its last public hearing earlier this month, the plan must still be finalized and approved by the Metropolitan Council and the commission board.

Although the MAC does not need legislative authority to move forward, Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL-Eagan) said the presentation did not address noise mitigation issues, and Rep. Bernie Lieder (DFL-Crookston) said he suspects the Legislature would issue a moratorium, similar to the previous expansion/relocation debate during the 1990s. Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) asked for information on airport impacts if alternative modes of transportation are developed, such as high-speed rail between the Twin Cities and Chicago.

Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak told division members to consider an alternative plan that would diffuse airport traffic, as well as its economic benefits, among the metro area, Rochester and St. Cloud. Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City) said he was intrigued with the concept of decentralized airports and suggested one be named “Twine Ball International.”

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