Project Purpose

A Master Plan Update for the England Airpark (AEX) was undertaken by the England Economic and Industrial Development District (England Authority) to outline a long range, orderly direction for airport development which will yield a safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally acceptable air transportation facility. The study was funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and local funds. 
 
AEX, England Airpark, was created as the result of a military base closure that occurred in 1992.  With the support of the community, state and federal authorities, the FAA issued a ground breaking record of decision to the Department of Defense recommending transfer of the entire property to the local redevelopment authority.  In addition to the typical airside areas, all landside areas were passed to the Authority with the purpose of generating income to support the airport which was defined as the entire property being disposed by the Air Force.  Thus, AEX opened with not only national airspace/runway infrastructure but also a community of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational assets.  Pursuing an aggressive planning and implementation cycle over the last 15 years, AEX/England Airpark has captured regional and national awards from numerous public and private organizations.  Many have called AEX/England Airpark a national model for base reuse in a rural community.
 
FAA and the local community had a vision that the conversion of AEX from a military to a civilian facility was an opportunity to create a strategic national asset for the national airspace/transport system.  Unfortunately, good planning has come true over the recent past.  Since 9/11, AEX has played a strategic role in moving civilians, military personnel and cargo in support of the Global War on Terror.  In addition, the hurricanes of 2005, Katrina and Rita, validated that when the coast of Louisiana and Texas are under assault there is only one airport that is positioned to provide immediate relief to storm ravaged areas, AEX.  CNN beamed into the living rooms of America the Coast Guard helicopters rescuing the victims from Katrina that were launched out of AEX.      
 
In 1993 and 1998, the England Authority developed an initial well-articulated award winning vision for the long-term future development at AEX, which this Master Plan Update will build upon.  The Master Plan Update is intended to address the steps over the next twenty-years, although primary focus will be on the short and intermediate-term actions, to improve air transport access, air safety, and maximize development and economic impact to generate resources to support AEX.