March 29, 2024

Airport looking to update master plan

To stay current with Federal Aviation Administration standards, the city is applying for a grant to update the Newton Municipal Airport Master Plan. The master plan was last updated in 2000 with the Airport Layout Map updated in 2006-2007.

“The Master Plan for the Newton Municipal Airport needs to be updated to account for changes the FAA has made regarding operational and safety standards of airports,” city administrator Bob Knabel said. “Also, an updated plan would incorporate changes at the airport including changes in the airport use since 2000.”

Updates to the master plan, including the airport layout map, are typically done every eight to 15 years and will bring the airport into compliance with current operation and safety standards. It involves a planning study to quantify operational date, make forecasts, identify critical design aircraft, quantify facility requirements and prepare an implementation plan.

The update is needed to verify conformance with current airport design standards that have occurred since 2006, and accurately reflect existing airport features that have changed since 2006, including multiple apron expansions. It will also review a potential runway extension in conjunction with aviation operations as a result of the adjacent Iowa Speedway race track.

Additionally, environmental issues will be considered during the process to define potential further environmental review requirement and may identify the need for an Environmental Assessment document. The Environment Assessment is not a part of the scope of the master plan and would be addressed separately if required.

“Any future expansion or projects we do out here, the FAA wants to see that when they give to projects they fit into some sort of plan and that we are thinking ahead,” President of Johnson Aviation Ethan Nasalroad said. “What is the next logical step for safety codes, possible expansions and keeping up on repairs.”

City council approved Clapsaddle-Garber Associates, Inc. of Marshalltown to perform the master plan update at a cost of $229,275. If awarded, the FAA grant would pay for 90 percent of $206,348 of the projected costs. The city would then contribute $22,927 to complete the project. Those funds would be provided by the 2015 bond proceeds.

The approval of the CGA agreement is contingent upon receiving the FAA grant. The master plan update is anticipated to take approximately one year to complete.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com