Marcellus Shale and Airports New Economic Opportunities

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There is little doubt that Marcellus Shale exploration offers great economic opportunities for businesses and developers throughout the Marcellus Shale play. Oil and gas producers and support companies are investing a great deal into leases, drilling, development and other infrastructure improvement. Airports must be prepared to take advantage of these opportunities as well.
Airports: Focal Point for Economic Development
Because airports are typically located on large tracts of land and are near major highways, they are ideal properties on which to locate Marcellus Shale drilling or related support facilities. Natural gas companies also typically fly their employees into the region on a regular basis, making the airport a prime focal point for other developmental activities. These companies may need land for the development of hangars and corporate office space, and airports can offer that land and the capabilities to aid the natural gas companies in their development plans. These opportunities could lead to hangar construction and other related development such as small business parks on or near an airport property, with the airport as the central focus area.
For airports to succeed in capitalizing on the Marcellus Shale industry, they must successfully balance plans for airport operational needs with the designation of land that could be used for Marcellus Shale development or drilling.
While most airports have an approved Airport Layout Plan, it is very doubtful that the Plan took into account non-aviation related development such as those that will be required as a part of the Marcellus Shale boom. An Airport Business Plan is essential to help the airport manage its existing assets while taking advantage of any development opportunities. solid control centrifuge can provide development guidelines, sample leases, minimum standards and other required information to ensure a level playing field for all types of development.
Additional Help Exists for Airports
Working with a professional aviation consultant can help airports navigate the many obstacles that can come with Marcellus Shale development. Aviation consultants can work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the State Department of Aviation to ensure that all Sponsor Grant Assurances are being met while helping the airport meet the needs of the developer. It is extremely important to involve the consultant and the funding agencies early on in the process to ensure a smooth, stress-free process to improving the airport's revenue stream through Marcellus Shale drilling and/or development. When choosing a consultant, look for the following capabilities:
Airport business planning
Funding agency coordination and approvals
Marketing plan initiatives
Aviation development plans
Regulatory compliance to expedite permit approvals and minimize project delays