Grosse Ile Municipal Airport

1999-2000 Annual Report

Mission Statement

A Community oriented and controlled organization which is safe, financially self-supporting and environmentally conscious. The Airport’s purpose is for use by aircraft which do not contribute to a noise level which is considered unacceptable to the Community.

Service Statement

The Airport, within the framework of the mission statement, is responsible for the overall safety and operation of the Airport and Commerce Park. The Airport is charged with operating and maintaining 65 T-Hangars, 4 runways, 9 taxiways, 3 commercial hangars, 19 commercial and industrial buildings, roadways, signage, 20 vehicles, 400 runway and taxiway lights, 3.5 miles of electrical systems, storm water system, 5 landing aids, rotating beacon and 655 acres, of which 120 acres are zoned light-industrial. The Airport serves a broad range of general aviation aircraft, from recreational flyers to multi-engine commercial aircraft and often accommodates special event blimps.

History

The Airport has seen many changes on the island since it’s inception in 1926. In 1926, the Aircraft Development Corporation constructed the first building and landing area on what is now the Airport. Due in part to the activity of the Aircraft Development Corporation, the Navy Reserve Aviation Unit started operations with the construction of the Seaplane base in 1927. By 1929, the seaplane base was ready for operations and the official dedication as a U.S. Naval Reserve Aviation Base took place on September 7. The Airport was operated in this capacity until the commencement of WWII. Then on December 9, 1942 the official designation was changed to U.S. Naval Air Station, Grosse Ile. The Navy continued to operate the Base until the closure in September 1969.

The U.S. Naval Air Station, Grosse Ile, was transferred from the U.S. Government to the Township of Grosse Ile on December 3, 1970 via a Quit Claim Deed. The Township continues to own and operate the Airport, a general utility type Airport, as a public benefit to the local communities and the flying public. In addition to the Airport, the U.S. Government transferred to the Township, the property north of Groh Road, now known as the Grosse Ile Commerce Air Park, as a revenue enhancement area. With the benefit of the Commerce Park, our Airport is one of the few in the country that is self-supporting.

1999/2000 Accomplishments

The Airport has accomplished many things in the 1999/2000 fiscal year. The following are only highlights of the major achievements during the year:

• Completed the environmental remediation to Hangar #1
• Commenced the renovations to Hangar #1 for the Township Hall
• Completed the Airport Video
• Completed the release of land to the Township for recreational purposes
• Completed development of the land use and marketing plan
• Received over $1,200,000 in State and Federal grants for the rehabilitation of runway 17/35 and several miscellaneous projects, with actual construction commencing summer of 2000
• Applied for a $3.5 million waterfront redevelopment grant
• Completed the overlay the ramp area to the east of Hangar #2
• Completed of the Hangar #1 RFP process, with culmination of a predevelopment agreement
• Completed roof renovations to building #62 west side, Hangar #3 and T-Hangars 1-15
• Completed the first privately developed hangar
• Hired a new Airport Maintenance Worker and Clerk
• Generated a shared seaplane and recreational access schematic for use of the seaplane base
• Instituted an automatic debit system
• Paved the parking lots for building #62 and the east ramp area for Hangar #2

1999/2000 Events

The Airport was the host to many events and community activities during the 1999/2000 fiscal year. The following are only highlights of the major events and activities during the year:

• Hosted a portion of the Islandfest including the
  • Yankee Air Force
  • U.S. Air Force
  • Wyandotte Exchange Club Pancake Breakfast
• Big Band Dance in Hangar #1 in conjunction with the Yankee Air Force
• Grosse Ile Youth and Recreation Association’s Haunted House
• Aviation Safety Seminar in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration
• Conducted a tenant meeting with our commercial tenants
• Michigan Jets first annual miniature aircraft show
• Indian City Radio Club meet

2000/2001 Goals and Objectives

The Airport would like to accomplish the following activities during the 1999/2000 fiscal year:

• Rehabilitate runway 17/35
• Construct additional T-hangars, box hangars and corporate hangars
• Demolish building #29, #70 and #142
• Start a phase II environmental audit for the entire Airport property
• Install upgraded signage for the Airport and Commerce Park
• Plant additional trees under a grant with the Department of Natural Resources and Detroit Edison
• Host an Airport open house day
• Conduct a survey of Airport users and Tenants
• Complete a web page for the Commerce Park
• Create Tall Structures Zoning ordinances
• Implement the land use and marketing plans

1999-2000 Annual Report

1999-2000 Annual Report

Airport Web Site

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