The Groundside Effects of Air Transportation

Abstract

This report systematically examines land uses around airports across the country, as well as the consequences for a metropolitan region of expanding versus moving an airport. A combination of methodologies is found to be the best approach. The airports in Minneapolis- St. Paul and Denver are further examined as case studies for the question of expansion versus new construction. Conclusions include: the larger the city, the more specialized the airport land uses, and regional economic needs and wants override local economic, social, and environmental needs and wants. Future study should take a more historical approach and more carefully define the region influenced by an airport.