Frequently Asked Questions

Community involvement is a key to the success of this study. If you have questions or concerns, we want to hear from you.

We’ve compiled the answers to frequently asked questions, but please reach out using the Contact Us tab if these FAQs don’t address what’s on your mind.

What is a terminal planning study?
A terminal planning study is a comprehensive study of an airport that describes short-, medium-, and long-term development plans. The main goal of any planning project is to provide the framework necessary to guide future development that will cost-effectively satisfy aviation demand, while considering potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The existing and proposed conditions are graphically represented on the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) that accompanies the narrative report.

The focus of this planning study is on documenting the existing terminal facility and its current mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) capabilities, forecasting passenger and airline operations growth and developing alternatives for the terminal building to accommodate the forecasted passenger growth and improve the passenger and user experience.

This project will utilize FAA Advisory Circulars, Airport Cooperative Research Program (ARCP) reports, TSA guidelines and knowledge of industry trends and the application of industry accepted planning standards. Facility recommendations, in general, will follow International Air Transport Association (IATA) Level of Service (LoS) “Optimum” standard where applicable.

Why is the Airport completing a terminal planning study?
The Airport initiated this terminal planning study to develop a framework for meeting existing passenger needs and to accommodate growth over the next 10 to 20 years. Focus areas of the study include terminal building modernization and rehabilitation, landside access improvements, multi-modal evaluation and recommendations, ADA compliance inventory and recommendations, and terminal concessions evaluation and recommendations.

One goal of the study is to consider financial feasibility in each decision. The plan will include a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) document which will incorporate the identified projects at GRB to support passenger demand and community needs.

Another goal of the study is to provide flexibility in long-term planning. While growth scenarios and alternatives will be selected, triggering events and scenarios for other needs will be documented and considered throughout.

What are the components of this study?
The terminal planning study includes the following major components:

  • Stakeholder engagement and public outreach

  • Terminal facilities and landside (entrance road, parking lot, etc.) inventory

  • Activity forecasting – passenger enplanements, airline gate plots, based aircraft and aircraft operations (takeoffs and landings)

  • Terminal Facility recommendations and alternatives

  • Environmental overview and sustainability

  • Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) improvements

  • Comprehensive Capital Improvement Planning (CIP)

  • CIP financial feasibility/review of funding sources

  • Airport Layout Plan (ALP) Update

The planning study will document the existing conditions, identify future challenges and potential solutions. The project will position the Airport to accommodate future passenger growth and changing aircraft fleet mix.

The deliverables of the study include:

  1. Narrative Report – The report documents the analysis and conclusions reached during the planning process. The FAA accepts the planning document and has approval authority over the forecasts contained within.

  2. Airport Layout Plan (ALP) Sheet Update – A scaled graphical depiction of the existing and proposed terminal development included in the narrative report. This part of the project will document any recommended future development that is not already shown on the ALP completed in 2021.

How can I learn more and get involved?
Project information and updates will be provided throughout the project on this project website. Project updates, meeting agendas and minutes, and review documents will be posted on this site throughout the project. Please see the Contact Us page to sign up for emailed project updates.

We welcome and look forward to the public’s involvement in this process. Project open houses and events will also be posted on this project website.

How is this project funded?
The terminal planning study is 50% funded by The State of Wisconsin and GRB is funding the remaining 50%.

When will the improvements identified in the planning document be implemented?
The terminal planning study will identify projects which may be implemented at varying times as needed over the planning term. Prior to implementation, each project must undergo additional analysis including environmental review through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). For some projects, additional environmental permitting may also be needed. Additionally, project funding must be secured for each project prior to implementation.