At Hoyle Tanner, we have been deeply involved in the planning and design phases of the Millinocket Municipal Airport project. This project is a significant part of the town’s economic revival and long-term infrastructure growth.
Understanding the Client’s Needs
Millinocket Municipal Airport, located in Millinocket, Maine, is a key asset for the town, especially as it undergoes economic redevelopment. The town, historically reliant on its mill industry, faced economic challenges after the mill closed in 2008. Now, with new businesses like salmon farming and a biofuel refinery setting up at the former mill site, the airport’s role has become even more crucial.
Our involvement began with a comprehensive master plan study, which is typically conducted every 10 to 15 years to outline new projects and developments for the airport over the next 20 years. One of the key projects identified was the extension and reconstruction of the main runway, Runway 11-29.
Design Phase & Stakeholder Coordination
Currently, we are in the design phase for the runway extension, which will increase its length from 4,713’ to 5,001’. This extension is vital as many charter companies require a minimum of 5,000’ within their standard operating procedures, making the airport more accessible to business jets and promoting economic activity.
Throughout the design process, we have engaged in extensive stakeholder coordination with the town, Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This has involved addressing various concerns and making necessary adjustments to the design. For instance, FAA’s input led to changes in the preliminary design to meet new safety standards.
Our team played a crucial role in advocating for this project, particularly in securing the necessary support and funding. FAA will only contribute towards eligible portions of funding, which would have reduced the runway length to 3,200’. Hoyle Tanner helped the Town of Millinocket push for the full extension to 5,001’ and secure other sources of funding to meet the difference. This advocacy involved presenting a strong case for the economic benefits and future growth potential that the extended runway would bring to the town.
By coordinating with FAA and addressing their concerns, Hoyle Tanner successfully supported the town’s vision for the airport’s development, ensuring that the project aligned with both current needs and future opportunities.
Environmental & Technical Challenges
One of the unique challenges of this project is the environmental aspect. The area where the runway extension will be constructed includes wetlands and a vernal pool, requiring careful consideration of federal, state, and local environmental regulations to develop a plan for efficient and cost-effective compliance. To meet FAA’s design and safety standards there will be fill placed in wetlands and new impervious surface area added to the airport’s overall developed area, as well as removal of trees that have been identified as future obstructions to aircraft navigation. Hoyle Tanner’s engineering team worked collaboratively with the in-house natural resource and environmental permitting staff to thoughtfully design the runway extension to prioritize safety, while balancing the need for environmental impacts.
The safety aspect of the Millinocket Airport project is a significant focus, particularly with the removal of portions of the intersecting runway. FAA’s new safety standards recommend eliminating two adjacent landing thresholds to reduce potential hazards. This change will prevent aircraft from having to back taxi on the runway, which is a safety issue as it involves planes being on an active runway while other aircraft may be landing or taking off. Additionally, the project includes reconfiguring taxiways to streamline operations and improve safety for both pilots and ground personnel.
Economic & Community Impact
The ultimate goal of this project is to enhance the airport’s capacity to support the town’s economic development. By extending the runway, we aim to attract more business traffic, including corporate jets from companies involved in the mill site’s redevelopment and outdoor enthusiasts looking to visit the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Additionally, a new taxilane will be constructed this year to encourage hangar development, further boosting the airport’s infrastructure and revenue generation.
Looking Ahead
We are committed to delivering solutions that help Millinocket thrive—now and into the future. We welcome the opportunity to bring the same expertise and collaborative approach to your airport. If your community is ready to invest in its future, we’re ready to help.
