FR 2021-00776

Overview

Title

Public Notice for Waiver of Aeronautical Land Use Assurance Astoria Regional Airport, Astoria, Oregon

Agencies

ELI5 AI

The airport in Astoria, Oregon, wants to use some empty land that planes can't get to for something else, like building a place where they can make proteins. The group in charge of airplane rules thinks it's okay to use this land for that purpose since it's not needed for the airport stuff.

Summary AI

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a proposal from the Port of Astoria Airport Director to change parts of Astoria Regional Airport in Oregon from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use. This change involves three parcels of land on the south side of the airfield, totaling 3 acres, which are vacant and landlocked without access to the airfield. The proposed development for this land is a protein processing plant. The FAA has determined that these parcels are not needed for airport purposes and can be used for the proposed project in line with FAA policy on airport revenue use.

Abstract

Notice is being given that the FAA is considering a proposal from the Port of Astoria Airport Director to change certain portions of the airport from aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use at Astoria Regional Airport, Astoria, Oregon. The proposal consists of three parcels on the south side of the airfield.

Type: Notice
Citation: 86 FR 4172
Document #: 2021-00776
Date:
Volume: 86
Pages: 4172-4173

AnalysisAI

The document published in the Federal Register is a notice from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a proposed change in land use at Astoria Regional Airport in Oregon. The proposal aims to convert three parcels of land, totaling three acres on the south side of the airport, from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use. The intended development for this property is a protein processing plant. The FAA has determined that this change aligns with existing policies, as the parcels are currently vacant, landlocked, and do not have direct access to the airfield.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues emerge from the notice that merit attention:

  1. Community and Airport Impact: The notice does not provide details on how the introduction of a protein processing plant will benefit the surrounding community or the operations of the Astoria Regional Airport. Without this information, stakeholders may find it challenging to evaluate the proposal's advantages or drawbacks.

  2. Consideration of Alternatives: There is no mention of whether alternative uses for this aeronautical land were considered. This omission raises questions about the thoroughness of the decision-making process and whether more beneficial uses could have been overlooked.

  3. Economic Implications: The document lacks details on the economic implications of this proposed land use change. Information about potential revenue generated or costs incurred by developing the land into a non-aeronautical facility could provide valuable insights for stakeholders evaluating the proposal.

  4. Technical Language: While the document is generally clear, it includes terms like "landlocked" and specific U.S. Code references, which may not be easily understood by a general audience. The use of such technical language might hinder public understanding and participation in the commentary process.

  5. Environmental Impact: The notice does not address potential environmental impacts resulting from converting aeronautical land into an industrial site. Considering the environmental concerns associated with a protein processing facility, stakeholders might be interested in understanding any plans for mitigating environmental harm.

Broad Impact on the Public

The proposed change may have broad implications for the public in and around Astoria, Oregon. It could potentially stimulate local economic growth if the protein processing plant leads to job creation and attracts related businesses. However, there is also the potential for environmental concerns, such as noise and pollution, which need to be considered carefully.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Certain stakeholders may be more directly affected by this change:

  • Local Community: Residents in the vicinity of the airport may experience both positive impacts, such as job opportunities, and negative impacts from increased industrial activity.

  • Airport Operations: By repurposing vacant and landlocked parcels, the airport may optimize its land use, potentially gaining financial benefits from leasing or selling the land for the proposed development.

  • Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on preserving environmental integrity might have concerns about the potential ecological impact of industrial development on previously aeronautical land.

In summary, while the FAA's notice offers a clear description of the proposed change at Astoria Regional Airport, significant information gaps exist. Addressing the potential impacts, both positive and negative, on the community and the environment would help stakeholders form a more comprehensive view and participate more effectively in the comment process.

Issues

  • • The notice lacks specific information on how the protein processing plant will benefit the community or the airport, making it difficult to assess the potential impact of this land use change.

  • • The document does not mention whether alternative uses for the aeronautical land were considered or whether there were any objections to the proposed non-aeronautical use.

  • • The document does not provide details on the economic implications of the land use change, such as potential revenue or costs associated with developing the land for a protein processing plant.

  • • The language is generally clear but could be seen as overly technical for a public notice, using terms like 'landlocked' and referencing specific U.S.C. titles without explanation for laypersons.

  • • There is no information about the environmental impact of converting aeronautical land to a non-aeronautical use, particularly for developing an industrial facility like a protein processing plant.

Statistics

Size

Pages: 2
Words: 419
Sentences: 16
Entities: 55

Language

Nouns: 152
Verbs: 21
Adjectives: 19
Adverbs: 2
Numbers: 29

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.71
Average Sentence Length:
26.19
Token Entropy:
4.79
Readability (ARI):
17.15

Reading Time

about a minute or two