The Master Plan Project is complete and was adopted by
Tyler City Council on October 24, 2007.
Project Purpose
A Master Plan Update for the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) was undertaken by the City of Tyler to outline a long range, orderly direction for airport development which will yield a safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally acceptable air transportation facility. The study was funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and local funds. The previous Master Plan Update was completed in 1995.
This update entailed a comprehensive analysis of current airport facilities, determination of trends and activities affecting the airport, the identification and analysis of potential trends in the aviation industry having the likelihood of influencing future operational activity at the airport, or that may offer new opportunities or demands at TYR. Additionally, the Master Plan Update resulted in the preparation of an analysis of airside and landside development alternatives, including the analysis of the long-term capacity of the runway system, and the possible definition of enhancements to the existing general aviation flightlines on the northeast side of the airport to address existing constraints. The review of the current general aviation areas included rehabilitation and expansion of current facilities, or the potential for development of new facilities. The Master Plan Update also included a cursory revalidation of terminal requirements developed during the 2001 passenger terminal design process, the preparation of an implementation plan, and an Airport Layout Plan drawing set meeting FAA criteria.
Some of the specific issues requiring consideration in the Master Plan Update are delineated below, and tasks were incorporated into the study to address these considerations. This listing is not intended to be an exhaustive recitation of every possible item that requires consideration in the Master Plan Update, but rather provides an indication of the major concerns that must be considered for the study to be of value to the City of Tyler and areas served by Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Key issues addressed in the Master Plan Update included:
Q Evaluating existing pavement conditions and developing a pavement management plan that maximizes pavement life and funding over time.
Q Evaluating airfield development options that address the primary runway length requirements, runway safety area standards, additional precision approach capability, and future airfield capacity.
Q Evaluating long-term development options for general aviation, and maximizing airside access to general aviation facilities.
Q Developing options to re-use existing facilities such as the old terminal area, and other vacant facilities.
Q Developing options to locate and construct a new air traffic control tower
Q Considering options to improve airline service, including opportunities for enhanced service into major hub cities not presently served.
Q Evaluating ground access to existing and future airport development areas with emphasis on minimizing existing impacts to the accessibility of existing airport uses, and future on-airport development areas.
Q Compatible land use considerations adjacent to Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.
Q Identifying future aviation development areas within the current boundaries of the airport.
Q Potential industrial development opportunities associated with existing and potential industrial areas within the boundaries of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.
Q Balancing airside development with a portion of the landside property that needs to be considered and ultimately reserved for other revenue generating purposes.
Q Environmental Factors that may act to limit or guide the development of airport property.
The Master Plan Update also reviewed the land area needs of the airport, the potential absorption of land for aviation related development, and local environmental conditions that may impact the development potential of airport and City-owned property. The goal of the Master Plan Update was to define current and future aviation demand at TYR, the means and alternatives for addressing this demand, the role of the airport in the local, regional and national aviation system, and the potential utilization or re-use of existing infrastructure and airport facilities. The master planning activities also provided a capital improvement program for future development of the airport, as well as an overview of land use compatibility issues in the airport environs. In addition, this planning effort resulted in the development of a computerized Airport Layout Plan drawing set meeting FAA criteria. The Master Plan Update provides the sponsor with a comprehensive overview of the airport's needs over the next twenty years, including issues relating to the timing of proposed development based on appropriate activity triggers or benchmarks, costs for this development, methods of financing, and management options.
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