Source - Vi.potsdam.ny.us - Potsdam
Source - Vi.potsdam.ny.us - Potsdam
Source - Vi.potsdam.ny.us - Potsdam
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<strong>Potsdam</strong> Municipal Airport - Master Plan – Phase 1 Report<br />
CHAPTER 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS<br />
The first step in the preparation of the Master Plan is to assemble information about<br />
existing conditions at the Airport and in the surrounding communities. The<br />
information gathered in this phase of the project will provide a foundation for<br />
subsequent analysis throughout the plan.<br />
The inventory step includes an examination of existing airport facilities, air traffic<br />
activity, and the airspace surrounding the Airport. Additionally, general information<br />
regarding the airport setting is gathered. This includes the Airport’s role in the<br />
regional and national aviation system, local economic and development<br />
characteristics, local climate, and demographics.<br />
2.01 Background<br />
<strong>Potsdam</strong> Municipal Airport is located approximately two miles east of the <strong>Vi</strong>llage of<br />
<strong>Potsdam</strong>. In addition to providing general aviation services, aircraft refueling is also<br />
available.<br />
2.01-1 Airport History<br />
<strong>Potsdam</strong> Municipal Airport was opened to the public in Aug<strong>us</strong>t 1969 and dedicated<br />
that October. Part of the airport site was an unpaved airstrip that was owned by<br />
Clarkson College (now Clarkson University). This land was donated to the <strong>Vi</strong>llage<br />
and additional land was purchased for the remainder of the site. It was the first airport<br />
in New York State that was built from the state’s $2.5 billion transportation bond<br />
issued in 1967. Other funds for the Airport were given to Clarkson College by<br />
Republican Aviation Corporation. This money was given in honor of the<br />
corporation’s previo<strong>us</strong> president, Mr. Ralph Shepard Damon. Originally, the funds<br />
were supposed to go directly to Mr. Damon at the time of his retirement, but he had<br />
the funds given to the college to build the Airport instead.<br />
2.01-2 Airport System Planning Role<br />
Airport planning occurs at local, regional, and national levels, each with its own<br />
particular emphasis. The update of <strong>Potsdam</strong> Municipal Airport’s Master Plan<br />
provides planning at the local level. At the state level, the New York State<br />
Department of Transportation has prepared a State Aviation System Plan, published<br />
in June 2009. This document provides the foundation for a strategic planning process<br />
designed to direct the future development of public-<strong>us</strong>e airports serving New York<br />
State.<br />
2-1
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