Airport
2000-2001 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, 2 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 626 acres, of which
91 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.
2000/2001 Accomplishments:
The Airport has accomplished many things in the 2000/2001 fiscal year. The
following are only highlights of the major achievements during the year:
- Completed the renovations to Hangar #1 for the Township Hall.
- Received $749,000 Waterfront Redevelopment Grant from the Michigan Department
of Environmental Quality for sanitary/storm sewer separation and watermain
installation. Completed the separation of the sanitary and storm sewer separations
and went out for bids for the watermain installation.
- Completed the rehabilitation of runway 17/35 with a $1.9 million Federal
Aviation Administration grant. In conjunction with the runway rehabilitation,
completed renovations to the ramp areas of the Airport. This project received
an award from the Michigan Concrete Paving Association for its unique application
of concrete on a runway project.
- Obtained and completed a grant project from the Michigan Department of Transportation
for crack sealing of approximately 14,500 lineal feet in the ramp area.
- Completed the demolition of building #29 and commenced the environmental
investigation for this site.
- Resurfaced a portion of Saratoga Road in the Commerce Park.
- Worked through a budget deficit prevention plan and we were able to retain
Eagle Industrial Truck as an anchor tenant in the Commerce Park.
- Relocated the Airport Offices into the new Township Hall.
- Assisted with the installation of the Groh Road Bike Path.
- Worked with the Department of Public Works to install a new watermain loop
around hangar #1.
- Obtained a Non-Precision Global Positioning System Approach for Runway 22.
- Completed storm water system repairs and improvements in the Commerce Park.
- Conducted and completed a survey of Airport users.
- Applied for a USEPA Brownfield Loan Program Pilot for environmental remediation
at the Airport.
- Updated the weather equipment in the Airport office with new computers and
internet connections.
- Approved a lease agreement for the operation of an Alpaca Farm.
- Created an Airport Intern program and hired an Airport Intern
- Received recognition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
for the video produced by the Airport. AOPA presented a portion of our video
at their Town meeting in Lansing as a great example of a proactive approach
to communicate the activities at an Airport to the Community.
2000/2001 Events:
The Airport was the host to many events and community activities during the
2000/2001 fiscal year. The following are only highlights of the major events
and activities during the year:
- Hosted a portion of the Islandfest including the
- Confederate Air Force
- U.S. Air National Guard
- Wyandotte Exchange Club Pancake Breakfast
- Antique Show in Hangar #2
- Big Band Dance in Hangar #1
- 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 second annual miniature aircraft show
- Indian City Radio Club meet
2001/2002 Goals and Objectives:
The Airport would like to accomplish the following activities during the 2001/2002
fiscal year:
- Construct a new light industrial building in the Commerce Park.
- Construct additional t-hangars, box hangars and corporate hangars.
- Demolish building #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
- Assist tenants with expansion plans for the Commerce Park.
- Purchase a new mower for the Maintenance Department.
- Create Tall Structures Zoning ordinances.
- Implement the land use and marketing plans.
- Seek additional grant opportunities for infrastructure improvements for
the Commerce Park.
- Host a Michigan Aeronautics Commission meeting.
- Rehabilitate the seaplane base.
2000-2001 Annual Report
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http://www.grosseile.com