The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has received an FAA grant to begin work on the Long-Term Air Transportation Study (LATS). Authorized by the Legislature, LATS is a three-year comprehensive airport system study to guide future investments in Washington’s public use airports.

According to a recent economic impact study, Washington’s airport system annually generates 171,311 jobs, $4 billion in wages, and $18.5 billion in total sales output. Today Washington has 139 public use airports of varying sizes and functions located throughout the state. Many of these airports suffer from aging infrastructure and conflicts with local land uses.

“Washington’s system of airports provides a critical transportation link for people, goods and public services like fire, medical and search and rescue,” said WSDOT Aviation Director, John Sibold.

“Both the FAA and Legislature will use the study’s findings to help make more cost-effective decisions about airport development proposals.”

WSDOT will seek public feedback throughout the course of the study.

In addition to identifying the roles for different airports, developing funding and policy strategies, and identifying system trends, the system plan findings will be incorporated into the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The NPIAS is updated every two years to identify airport improvements needed to address safety, system efficiency and environmental compatibility. The NPIAS is an important report the FAA uses to support its budget requests to Congress.

WSDOT’s study will be conducted in three phases. Phase I includes a review of airport inventory and capacity, and is estimated to be completed by September 30, 2006. Phase II includes developing forecast activities for each airport, a market analysis of the commercial airports, a high-speed rail review, air cargo study and future capacity assessment.

Phase II is estimated to take 12 months. During Phase III a gubernatorial council will review Phase I and II findings and determine long-term priorities to guide state aviation investment decisions. Phase III is expected to be completed in 2009.

FMI: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/news/2005/AirTranspStudy.htm, www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/planning_capacity/