WSDOT is updating its Methow Valley State Airport Master Plan
WINTHROP – The Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division is updating the Methow Valley State Airport Master Plan. The plan will guide airport development and investment through 2046, with particular emphasis on improvements during the next 10 years.
The updated plan will identify current and future airport needs, help maintain compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards and reflect regional priorities.
Community members, airport users, neighbors and other interested parties are invited to learn about the master plan update and share their perspectives during a hybrid public open house on Thursday, Sept. 24. The meeting will be held in person at The Winthrop Barn Auditorium and online through Zoom.
Methow Valley State Airport Master Plan open house information
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24
Where: Main Hall at The Winthrop Barn Auditorium, 51 State Route 20, Winthrop
Details: For those attending online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87947749934?pwd=S5Aa9z5m9rBVFRclmMPl1kKbDujyAG.1
Free language assistance and accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests can be made by emailing christina.crea@wsdot.wa.gov by Sept. 14.
The meeting will begin with a presentation about the master planning process and the role of the project’s Technical Advisory Group, or TAG. The TAG includes representatives from the local aviation community, emergency services, private aviation interests and neighborhoods surrounding the airport.
TAG members will take part in a facilitated discussion about the challenges and opportunities with current and future airport uses. People attending online will be able to view the presentation and participate remotely.
The second part of the meeting will be an in-person open house. Community members can speak with the project team and review information about:
- The master planning process and project milestones.
- Existing airport facilities and features.
- Current and potential aviation trends.
- Anticipated airport needs over the next 20 years with an emphasis on the next 10 years.
- Upcoming opportunities for public involvement.
The master plan update will examine several aspects of the airport, including:
- Runway, taxiway and apron facilities.
- Airport access, hangar areas and utilities.
- Airport signage, fencing, gates and security.
- Helicopter, glider and seasonal operational needs.
- Compatibility with U.S. Forest Service smokejumper operations.
- Emergency response and wildland firefighting needs.
- Advanced air mobility opportunities.
- Environmental considerations and surrounding land uses.
- Future projects, costs, funding opportunities and implementation priorities.
Public input will help WSDOT and the project team better understand how the airport serves the region today and what should be considered as the master plan is developed. Feedback received during this first phase will help identify how airport users view current operations, the quality of existing facilities and future needs based on projected trends and expected use.
Two more public meetings are anticipated later in the planning process and will be virtual only. The second meeting will focus on potential alternatives for updating airport facilities to meet future demands and needs. The third meeting will present the preferred alternative or most promising solutions and/or upgrades. It will also include the Capital Improvement Plan, a document that highlights the funding and implementation and construction capabilities and timeline.
People who cannot attend the Sept. 24 open house can learn more and provide feedback at https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/methow-valley-airport.
Free internet access
Free, temporary internet access may be available to those who do not have broadband services. Washington state’s open data portal has created a map of public libraries offering drive up Wi-Fi, including locations, hours and contact information.
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