Airport Strategic Planning

The establishment of Wayne County Airport Authority in 2002 was a defining event in the history of Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports. In an effort to strengthen the image and value of the Airports and the Airport Authority to the traveling public and residents of Southeast Michigan, a strategic plan for the organization was undertaken.

Over a nine month period in 2002 and 2003, JDA led an in depth strategic planning process for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport. The purpose of that effort was to help set the long-term course for the management, operation and development of the Airports. The process included active participation by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee under the leadership of the Wayne County Airport Authority CEO, the Strategic Planning Work Group including all Airport Authority Division Directors, other Airport Authority staff and consultants. JDA organized and lead weekly meetings of a smaller group representing the various constituencies in order to analyze the input from Division Directors and personnel, evaluate ideas, survey attitudes, and determine the structural framework for the Strategic Plan.

Airport Layout Plan Update

JDA Consultants were engaged by the Wayne County Airport Authority to provide technical planning and support with ongoing planning and development projects. These initiatives were replicated in the Airport Layout Plan Update along with criteria set forth in the FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5300-13, 150/5100-17 and 5010 Update.

JDA's efforts include airfield facility evaluations and justification, project description, stakeholder coordination, FAR Part 77 and TERPS analysis, land use planning, utilities planning, and support facilities analysis.

JDA is actively coordinating with the FAA, airport staff and other stakeholders in review and acceptance of the Plans package.

Technical Planning - ARFF

Working with the FAA Airport Certification Inspector in anticipation of the opening of the new fourth parallel runway and Midfield Terminal, the Airport needed to verify that the current ARFF facilities could meet or exceed required response times. JDA staff helped develop a model that accurately estimated potential response times for various routes by conducting field interviews and participating in test runs with actual ARFF response equipment. The model was calibrated against actual response times taken in the field and then used to estimate response times to the new runway using various routes. This information was packaged in a report for the Airport to present to FAA. Through close coordination with the Airport, ARFF personnel and the FAA, several capital and operational improvements were identified, funded and implemented to help ensure that the highest level of safety was achieved. This included two dedicated ARFF response roads, a third ARFF station, preferred response routes, and driver training.

During this effort, the Airport was asked by the FAA to consider developing additional ARFF stations around the perimeter of the airport in order to further reduce response times (lower than those specified in FAR Part 139.319). This philosophical change from a centrally located station to multiple perimeter stations required a detailed analysis and stakeholder coordination. Several sites were evaluated based on airfield coverage, site availability, capital cost, airfield and landside access, and operational issues. This information enabled the FAA and Airport to agree on a long-term ARFF facility development plan with priorities for future development. The document was provided to FAA as justification for future funding requests.

Aviation Forecasting-Part 150 Study Update

Jacobsen/Daniels Associates (JDA) is responsible for preparing the fleet mix forecast of aviation operations as part of the FAR Part 150 Noise Study for Detroit Metro Airport. This effort focuses on developing an accurate, defensible design day forecast of aircraft operations by aircraft type for use as input into the Integrated Noise Model (INM). In developing the forecast, JDA obtained and evaluated historical annual operations data and validated relevant trends in annual operations and aircraft fleet mix to establish an accurate forecast of future aviation activity.

Key trends that are being assessed include anticipated increases in regional jet activity and the retirement and replacement of older DC-9 and DC-10 aircraft by Northwest Airlines with newer generation Airbus aircraft. These changes in fleet mix are critical in establishing an accurate noise contour because of the significant differences in aircraft noise levels. Initial forecast results are vetted with Airport Management and other stakeholders and refined based on an open and robust discussion. Finally, the results are compared to the FAA Terminal Area Forecast in order to establish consistency. It is essential that the operations forecast closely align with the FAA Terminal Area Forecast in order for the FAA to support the conclusions of the Study. Ultimately, the forecast serves as the basis for a reasonable noise mitigation program as well as justification for other capital improvements at the Airport

Financial Planning and Feasibility Studies

In 2003, Jacobsen/Daniels Associates (JDA) was hired by Reed & Associates to conduct area financial planning and feasibility studies for facilities at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). One of the efforts involved evaluating the feasibility of demolishing the Berry Terminal and constructing a new deicing pad in that location. JDA also assisted airport executive staff in preparing letters of intent (LOI) for various projects in connection with the most recent capital improvements program. JDA also evaluated the feasibility of reconstructing various taxiways as well as modifications to existing runways to improve airfield capacity.

During the pre-desig/n phase for the North Terminal Redevelopment project JDA evaluated its feasibility and recommended various funding alternatives for the design and construction as initially programmed. JDA's comments and recommendations were included in the final program criteria document that was used to develop the designs for this project.

Master Plan Update

In June 2004, the Wayne County Airport Authority selected Jacobsen/Daniels Associates to lead a team of consultants to develop a FAA funded airport master plan. The plan will provide the authority a long-term vision for the development of airport facilities as well analyze the potential of complementary off-airport development. The scope of services includes:

• Strategic visioning document
• Updated aviation activity forecast
• Inventory of all airport facilities
• Analysis of capacity and demand
• Environmental overview
• Development alternatives
• Updated ALP plans package
• Plan of finance

North Terminal Complex Redevelopment Program - Ground Access Data Collection

JDA Consultants provided Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport with terminal programming and planning services for the redevelopment of a 30 acre jet and commuter terminal complex. The redevelopment of the North Terminal Complex was necessary to address the physical and operational shortcomings of the existing facilities. In addition to understanding the functional terminal planning components, JDA consultants provided critical insight into the relationship between the landside, terminal and airfield that was constraining the available development area.

The planning study resulted in a Program Criteria Document (PCD) that explains the rationale for selecting the recommended concept and defines in detail the project scope and parameters. As part of this effort, JDA conducted a survey and detailed review of the existing landside system, determined existing levels of demand, and developed a forecast of future program requirements for the following areas of the landside system:

• Airport Roadways
• Terminal Curbfronts
• Public Parking Facilities
• Employee Parking Facilities

Through this project, JDA demonstrated their ability to develop strong working relationships with Airport Management, local transportation planning agencies such as the Wayne County Department of Public Services, the airlines, ATCT personnel, local and regional FAA officials, civic and political leaders and the other members of the project team.

North Terminal Complex Redevelopment Program - Public Parking Planning

The redevelopment of the North Terminal area of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport will provide a new consolidated terminal facility for non-Northwest carriers. As a result of the redevelopment, the operation and use of the public parking facilities, roadways and terminal curbfronts will be altered.

JDA was selected to provide a public parking development and utilization strategy that the WCAA can use to make decisions regarding the development, utilization and operation of existing parking facilities as well as the development and operation of additional parking facilities, if necessary. In conjunction with the parking study, JDA coordinated with the planning efforts related to the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) study. The resulting overall landside development plan ensures a seamless transfer of passengers between the terminal and parking facilities/ground transportation center within the North Terminal Complex.

The primary elements of the public parking portion of the planning study include:

• Data Collection: Determination of existing public parker characteristics and development of a "customer profile".
• Development of future demand and facility program scenarios for public parking operations.
• Identification of public parking operational, business and facility issues/opportunities.
• Public parking development options, including capital and O&M costs.
• Benefit-Cost Analysis for additional parking development options.

The effort defined facility needs over time, including demand triggers and prudent facility growth options, while considering capital and O&M costs and future potential revenues.

RAC Facility Development Support

IEnterprise Rent-A-Car (ERAC) was awarded a rental car concession at Detroit Metro Airport with the ability to construct facilities on-airport. To accomplish this in an efficient and effective manner, they contracted with Jacobsen/Daniels Associates to help evaluate potential facility locations, assist ERAC with obtaining site plan approval from the Airport, the City of Romulus, and the FAA, and to provide guidance and support throughout the implementation process. This included coordinating site planning and negotiations with the Airport, reviewing site layout and design drawings, interfacing with the Airport, City and FAA officials regarding specific project issues and concerns, and identifying remedies that were mutually acceptable to all of the project stakeholders. Because they were familiar with airport facilities, operations and staff, JDA was able to help ERAC maneuver around the potential pitfalls that could have delayed the project. JDA also helped focus the Airport on the critical issues that ERAC faced on the project in order to expedite the approval process. Throughout the project, JDA worked with ERAC and provided advice and counsel on lease negotiations, site comparison and evaluation, technical planning issues and construction management.

Residential Sound Insulation Program

The Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) is a voluntary service provided to residents living in close proximity to the airport who may experience heightened levels of noise pollution. The Wayne County Airport Authority in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration has provided sound insulation and noise reduction home improvements to residents burdened by noise levels identified through a Part 150 Study, which outlines areas most affected by aircraft noise based on flight patterns. Jacobsen/Daniels Associates (JDA) prior involvement in the part 150 Study has allowed for an ideal transition into the coordination between RSIP efforts and community interests.

The Community Outreach Program was designed to inform and educate the Wayne County communities impacted by the RSIP. JDA has developed this outreach program through the creation of program materials and forms, the planning, development, and maintenance of the program website, as well as the preparation and distribution of a bi-annual newsletter. Data from satisfaction surveys have been compiled into reports and used to evaluate the overall performance and homeowner satisfaction with the RSIP. Community Outreach efforts have assisted the development of a Contractor Outreach Program to attract more DBE/MBE contractors through the production and development of program literature and the encouragement of participation through seminars and workshops.

Section 106 Coordination

Building #278 at Detroit Metro Airport was built in 1929 and served a vital function to the Airport for many years. However, as the Airport expanded, it was abandoned and suffered years of neglect. Consequently it carried significant operation and maintenance costs and numerous efforts by the Airport to secure funds to renovate the building were unsuccessful. In order to expand their rental car operation at Detroit Metro Airport, The Hertz Corporation teamed up with the Wayne County Airport Authority to demolish the building. Before demolition could occur, Hertz was required to complete a Section 106 application, which outlines the historic significance and value of the building.

Hertz Corporation hired Jacobsen/Daniels Associates to provide the necessary documentation and coordinate the federal review process. The review process was administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) located in Lansing, Michigan. The application process involved documenting the potential effects of the demolition in relation to the building's historical significance and context.

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Development

Jacobsen/Daniels Associates, llc (JDA) was contracted by the Wayne County Airport Authority to assist in the annual inspections of airport tenant facilities in support of the storm water management program at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Annual inspections satisfy the requirements outlined in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and address the existence of, or potential for, storm water discharges from industrial and construction operations.

JDA consultants used the Airport’s existing Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for the bases of the annual re-inspection. The SWPPP plan establishes policies and procedures for tenant compliance as well as a summary of commitments which reduces and eliminates non-storm water discharge into the adjacent waterways.

JDA consultants conducted approximately 30 inspections of tenant facilities at DTW. An inspection report was prepared for each tenant. JDA also developed a sample spill prevention plan, and materials checklist. In addition, JDA prepared storm water management awareness training material for airport tenants and staff.