LVN Environmental Assessment

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), owner and operator of the Airlake Airport (LVN), is proposing to make various improvements to LVN’s airfield. This environmental review process was initiated to achieve the planning goals outlined in the Airlake Airport 2035 Long-Term Plan, which was approved by the MAC Board in April 2018. These goals include:

  • Better accommodating business aircraft needs by maximizing the airfield’s operational capabilities.

  • Maintaining or improving on-airport and off-airport land use compatibility.

  • Mitigating existing issues with vegetative growth and ground penetrating airspace surfaces to the extent practical.

  • Verifying and updating the airfield layout to reflect current FAA airport design standards.

To meet these goals, the MAC plans to make the following airfield improvements:

  1. Reconstruct the existing 4,099 feet of Runway 12/30 pavement.
  2. Lengthen Runway 12/30 to 4,850 feet by extending the Runway 12 end approximately 271 feet and extending the Runway 30 end approximately 480 feet. Shift the Runway 12 landing threshold 120 feet east to provide a clear approach surface over the railroad and revise instrument approach procedures accordingly. The full 4,850 feet will be available to TORA/TODA/ASDA, while reduced LDA will be employed to mitigate approach surface obstructions.
  3. Extend Taxiways A & B, relocate Taxiways A1 & B1 and construct new holding bays north and south of the new Runway 12 end.
  4. Relocate Taxiway A5 and construct a new holding bay north of the new Runway 30 end.
  5. Modify Taxiways A and A1 to allow aircraft to hold perpendicular to the runway centerline.
  6. Modify the Runway 30 medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR) to include new in-pavement lights and adjusted light tower heights.
  7. Extend runway edge lighting and relocate airfield guidance signs.
  8. Remove on-airport trees within FAR Part 77, approach and departure surfaces. Mitigate other obstructions and obstacles as determined in an aeronautical study.
  9. Relocate 225th Street West outside the Runway 30 RPZ on the east side of Cedar Avenue.
  10. Relocate stream on airport property as necessary to accommodate proposed improvements.
  11. Relocate apron to parallel taxiway connector segment of Taxiway A2 to address direct access from apron to runway.
  12. Remove access road from Runway 12/30 to glideslope facility and relocate MALSR equipment shelter access road.
  13. Reconstruct blast pads on both runway ends to meet design standards.
  14. Expand the fixed base operator (FBO) aircraft parking apron.
  15. Relocate public aircraft viewing area.
  16. Expand stormwater infiltration basin.

Based on the nature of the proposed project, the MAC is completing a Federal Environmental Assessment (EA) and a State Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). The Federal EA is being developed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policies and procedures detailed in FAA Order 1050.1G (and related documents) for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) implementation guidance. The State EAW will be developed in compliance with the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and related Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) guidance.

This project seeks to identify and analyze any potential environmental impacts that could result from the proposed project actions and to satisfy federal, state and local environmental regulations. Results of this analysis will help project planners and engineers to avoid, minimize or mitigate any environmental effects of the proposed project if it moves forward.

Based on the nature of the proposed project, the MAC is completing a Federal Environmental Assessment (EA) and a State Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). The Federal EA is being developed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policies and procedures detailed in FAA Order 1050.1G (and related documents) for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) implementation guidance. The State EAW will be developed in compliance with the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and related Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) guidance.

This project seeks to identify and analyze any potential environmental impacts that could result from the proposed project actions and to satisfy federal, state and local environmental regulations. Results of this analysis will help project planners and engineers to avoid, minimize or mitigate any environmental effects of the proposed project if it moves forward.

Schedule

This EA/EAW process originally began in 2022 but was put on hold in 2023 while the MAC coordinated with the FAA and utility companies regarding utility lines that cross beneath the airfield. The MAC relaunched the environmental review process in spring 2026. Now, the MAC is aiming to complete the remaining portions of the environmental review process on an accelerated schedule, with construction anticipated to start in 2027 or 2028. The schedule is dependent on a number of items outside of the MAC’s control, including agency review times, and is subject to change.

schedule

Community Engagement

Throughout the EA/EAW process, the MAC encourages input from the community on its findings and recommendations.

The MAC will host public events during the planning process to share information, answer questions, and seek input from the public. Upcoming public open house information available here.

Documents and Links

This page contains links to documents relevant to this project. When the draft EA/EAW document is ready for public review, it will be published on this page. Any questions or comments on these documents can be directed to us via email at: LVNEA@mspmac.org.

Airlake Airport 2035 Long-Term Plan: The EA/EAW will be based on this planning document. Information from this document will be used, along with other data that will be collected and developed, to conduct the EA/EAW.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The MAC completed and adopted the Airlake Airport 2035 Long-Term Plan in April 2018. The plan evaluated facility needs over the next 20 years and serves as a road map to guide future airport development. The Airlake Long-Term Plan was developed around the following goals:

  • Better accommodate business aircraft needs by maximizing the airfield’s operational capabilities and property footprint.
  • Maintain or improve Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) land use compatibility.
  • Mitigate existing issues with airspace penetrations, such as trees and buildings, to the extent practical.
  • Update the taxiway layout to reflect current industry best practices and thus enhance airfield safety.

The purpose of the proposed project at LVN is to achieve planning goals outlined in the LTCP. The need for the proposed project is to meet existing and projected airport user needs and create a safer operating environment at the airport. The project will address seven objectives:

  1. Reconstruct the existing Runway 12/30 pavement.
  2. Extend Runway 12/30 to 4,850 feet.
  3. Minimize incompatible on-airport and off-airport land uses.
  4. Mitigate Runway 12/30 airspace penetrations.
  5. Meet current FAA airport design standards.
  6. Modify and/or replace visual navigational aids.
  7. Expand the fixed base operator (FBO) apron.

The EA evaluates the effects of a proposed action on the surrounding natural, social and economic environments. An EA is necessary to receive FAA approval and, ultimately, funding for such airport improvements.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions. Based on the nature of the proposed project, the FAA has determined that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is required. An EA takes a close look at environmental effects that can be expected and addresses the purpose and need of the project with various alternatives. It then determines whether the proposed project has the potential to cause significant environmental effects compared to a no-action alternative. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions. Based on the nature of the proposed project, the FAA has determined that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is required. An EA takes a close look at environmental effects that can be expected and addresses the purpose and need of the project with various alternatives. It then determines whether the proposed project has the potential to cause significant environmental effects compared to a no-action alternative.

The Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and the related Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) guidelines require that project proposers complete environmental reviews for various types of projects. According to Minnesota Rule 473.614, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is required for the extension of an existing MAC runway or taxiway. An EAW provides an analysis of the potential environmental impacts of a specific project. The standard EAW form issued by the EQB will be completed and included as an appendix to the Federal EA.

This EA/EAW process originally began in 2022. Several of the field surveys and studies were completed in 2022 and 2023. The project was put on hold in 2023 while the MAC coordinated with the FAA and utility companies regarding utility lines that cross beneath the airfield. The MAC relaunched the environmental review process in spring 2026. During the delay, Airlake’s airfield pavement conditions continued to deteriorate. Now, the MAC is aiming to complete the remaining portions of the environmental review process on an accelerated schedule to be able to construct the needed airfield improvements before pavement conditions deteriorate much further. Having many of the field work elements completed previously enabled the MAC to quickly complete the remainder of the environmental analysis and documentation. This EA/EAW process originally began in 2022. Several of the field surveys and studies were completed in 2022 and 2023. The project was put on hold in 2023 while the MAC coordinated with the FAA and utility companies regarding utility lines that cross beneath the airfield. The MAC relaunched the environmental review process in spring 2026. During the delay, Airlake’s airfield pavement conditions continued to deteriorate. Now, the MAC is aiming to complete the remaining portions of the environmental review process on an accelerated schedule to be able to construct the needed airfield improvements before pavement conditions deteriorate much further. Having many of the field work elements completed previously enabled the MAC to quickly complete the remainder of the environmental analysis and documentation.

Once a final EA is submitted to the FAA, the FAA will issue its determination on the project. They will either issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or, if they determine there may be significant impacts, they will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

If the FAA issues a FONSI at the completion of this environmental review process, the MAC can apply for federal funding for the project. Once funding is secured, the MAC can proceed with design and subsequent construction of the project. Construction is anticipated to start in 2027 or 2028.  

If the FAA identifies the need to prepare an EIS, then a new, more intensive, environmental review process would begin, and the project would need to obtain environmental clearance before any design or construction were to begin.

Contact the Project Team

Email

If you have questions about the LVN environmental review process, please email us at LVNEA@mspmac.org.

Written Corrrespondence

Metropolitan Airports Commission
Attn: Airport Planner
6040 28th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55450
612-726-8100

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