Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

From time to time, this section will be updated to respond to input that is received during the course of the study. If you have a question, comment, or suggestion that is relevant to this study please contact the airport manager.  Manager@flytome.com

General Questions

Why is a master plan necessary?

An airport master plan is needed for two reasons. First, to establish a logical set of development parameters and timelines that will coincide with the airport’s needs over time. Second, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires an up-to-date plan to remain eligible for federal grant funds. Many capital improvement projects are eligible to receive up to 95% funding from the federal government.

What are the components of the master plan?

The airport master plan being conducted for the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport will consist of the following components:

1.      An inventory of existing conditions as well as environmental, financial and legal baselines.  
 

2.      Activity forecasts to identify growth trends and changing conditions.
 

3.      Demand-Capacity analysis to assess improvement needs.
 

4.      An overview of known environmental resources and land-use controls to identify potential on and off-airport related impacts.
 

5.      A development plan using three scenario driven situations
 

6.      A capital improvement plan that identifies funding sources and project sequencing for the near-term (1 to 5 years), intermediate term (5 to 10 years), and long term (10 to 20 years).

The completion of the master planning process will result in the following two products:

1.      Airport Layout Plan (ALP). A set of plans that graphically depicts the phased development of the airport.
 

2.      Airport Master Plan Report. A written report which technically justifies, through sufficiently detailed narrative descriptions and graphic presentation, the Airport Layout Plan.

How does the approval process work?

Both the airport board, which governs the airport, and the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) ultimately approve the Airport Layout Plan. The FAA’s approval of the plan represents acceptance of the general location of the future facilities depicted with respect to safety, efficiency, and utility of the airport. Additional approvals and steps are usually necessary before a project can move forward to the construction phase.

The master planning process itself is interactive. During the course of the study, all interested parties will have an opportunity to participate. Interested parties include: airport users, passengers, tenants, local businesses, and residents from the surrounding communities.

What happens after the plan is approved?

The Federal Aviation Administration’s approval of the Airport Layout Plan is the first step in the development process. Often, an environmental review will follow for a project or series of projects to be sought during a given timeframe (usually 5 years or less). After all necessary approvals are obtained, a project may then move forward to the construction phase.

How can I follow or participate in the study process?

The simplest way is through this website and attending one or all of the seven planning advisory committee (PAC) meetings. Here, you can review the latest information and post your comments and suggestions by clicking the Feedback link, which shows a variety of ways to contact us. Any public meetings will be widely announced well in advance of the meeting date. Other important dates, meetings, conclusions, etc. will be posted on this website for general review (http://www.flytome.com/master_plan.htm ).

You can always contact the airport manager directly for questions pertaining to this project or other airport related issues.  Manager@flytome.com