Planning & Development Division

This department prepares and implements the MAC’s capital improvement program for all seven airports. The goal is to ensure needs across the system are identified and fulfilled through coordination and collaboration with all MAC departments. Staff reviews project justifications, costs and timing for development of the overall program. Once projects are authorized by the Commission, primary responsibilities include coordinating the design, engineering, architecture and construction of facilities. Airport Development prepares construction contracts and state/federal grants for projects, and works directly with consultants and contractors to complete projects. The director for this department is Heather Leide.

The MAC’s Building Official administers permitting and inspections in accordance with the MAC’s Building Code Ordinance. Responsibilities include the application, administration, implementation and enforcement of the Minnesota Building Code and MAC Construction Standards and MAC Procedures and Design Standards and Guidelines. Duties include plan reviews, issuance of permits, inspections and retention of construction plans. The department also provides construction management services for retail and food and beverage development and for remodeling of existing tenant spaces at MSP International Airport. Brian Weidemann serves as the MAC’s building official.

The Environmental Affairs (EA) unit is responsible for maintaining environmental compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Compliance activities include waste management programs for recycling and composting; proper disposal of regulated materials; storage tank program administration; stormwater and soil management; air quality programs and assistance for airport tenants with regulatory compliance issues. The EA unit also supports the environmental review process to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental regulations for airport development projects, and participates in the preparation of long-term, comprehensive airport plans. Marisa Trapp manages Environmental Affairs.

The Planning unit prepares a long-term, comprehensive plan for each of the MAC’s seven airports. Each plan identifies future facility needs to accommodate projected demand from the traveling public in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Our goal is to provide a high level of service for airport users through foresight, planning and community coordination.

The planning process identifies when improvements will be needed but does not authorize construction or serve as the basis for the environmental review process, or determining noise mitigation program eligibility. Future development concepts are added to the official layout plan for each airport, including a scaled graphic representation of existing and proposed airport facilities.

In addition to facility planning, this unit coordinates activities with neighboring communities related to airport safety zoning and compatible land-use development.