Airport

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.

2001/2002 Accomplishments:

The Airport has accomplished many things in the 2001/2002 fiscal year. The following are only highlights of the major achievements during the year:

• Continued progress on the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for sanitary/storm sewer separation and watermain installation. Completed the installation of the new watermain in the Commerce Park.
• Started a preventative maintenance program for the 65 T-hangars. As part of this program, 30 hangars received inspections to the hangar door, replacement of the bottom door seals and any repairs necessary.
• Completed improvements to Hangar # 2 roof coping.
• Received site plan approval for the construction of additional T-hangars, box hangars and a light industrial building for the Commerce Park. These projects were subsequently bid for construction, however, due to the unfortunate events of September 11 and the uncertainty of the economy, they were put on hold.
• Responded to new requirements from the FAA and the Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics regarding security upgrades and improvements as a result of September 11.
• Submitted a request for a storm sewer improvement grant for the Commerce Park in the amount of $1,200,000, which is anticipated to be awarded in the summer of 2002.
• Completed the process for the construction of the Alpaca farm on the Airport. Construction for this project started in mid-February, with anticipated completion by May.
• Purchased a military surplus service/boom truck for maintenance at the Airport.

2001/2002 Events

The Airport was the host to many events and community activities during the 2001/2002 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
• Rodeo and Donkey Race
• 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 third annual miniature aircraft show

2002/2003 Goals and Objectives:

The Airport would like to accomplish the following activities during the 2002/2003 fiscal year:

• 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.
• Investigate the purchase of a new snowplow for the Maintenance Department.
• Implement the land use and marketing plans.
• Seek additional grant opportunities for infrastructure improvements for the Commerce Park.
• Host a Michigan Aeronautics Commission meeting.
• Conduct the design phase for the rehabilitation of the center taxiway system, rehabilitation to the sea plane base and a runway safety area survey for runway 04 and 35.
• Conduct electrical improvements to the hangar area of Hangar #1
• Refurbish the metal roofing on T-hangars #30-45.
• Host the Island Fest and the Electric Car Race.
• Host the fourth annual Michigan Jets event

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