Proposed Northwest Angle Airport

PROPOSED NORTHWEST ANGLE AIRPORT

Resident/Cabin owner survey

The Lake of the Woods County Board and the Baudette International Airport Commission are working on an effort to determine the feasibility of an expanded/public use airport in the Northwest Angle area. As part of that feasibility survey, we are contacting pilots, aircraft owners, residents, and cabin owners to assess the needs and desirability of an airport on the Northwest Angle.

As you know, there has been a private airport on the Northwest Angle since approximately 1965. The airport was built by Norman Carlson as part of his resort—though others could use it as well. Several years ago, the airport was sold to a private individual.

A number of former users of the airport would like to have access to the Angle again, and have asked about a public access airport on the Angle. This could be located at the same site if the present owner makes it available, or at a site just south of the present airport. Either airport would be run by Lake of the Woods County. The Minnesota Department of Transportation—Department of Aeronautics has agreed to fund the major portion of the airport, including this study.

THE STUDY RESULTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 28, 2012.

Options to complete this study:

1. Mail: Send the completed survey to 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, St. Paul, MN 55110 2. Fax: Send by fax to 888-908-8166 3. E-mail: Scan and E-mail to [email protected] 4. Online: Complete online at http://lakeofthewoodsmn.com

SURVEY QUESTIONS. Circle all that apply.

Do you:

1. Live on the Northwest Angle? 2. Own property on the Angle? 3. Own a Lodge or other commercial property on the Angle? 4. Live elsewhere, but visit the Angle?

Have you ever arrived/departed the Angle by air?

1. Yes—from the existing airport 2. Yes—by seaplane 3. No—never arrived/departed by air

Have you ever had guests fly into the Northwest Angle?

1. Yes 2. No 3. No, but guests might, if there was a suitable airport

Have you ever had parts or equipment delivered by air to the Northwest Angle

1. Yes 2. No 3. No, but it could be useful if needed.

Have you ever seen the need for aeromedical evacuation from the Angle?

1. Yes 2. No 3. No, but it is of some concern for myself, potential visitors, or guests.

For Private Cabin owners or residents—if a suitable airport were available, how many times would you or your guests use it per year?

1. Zero 2. 1-5 3. 6-10 4. More than 10

For Lodge owners—Did you ever have guests fly into the old airport?

1. Yes, once 2. Yes, often 3. No, I don’t think it would impact my business 4. No, but it would help my business.

For Lodge owners—if a suitable airport were available, how many times would you or your guests use it per year?

1. Zero 2. 1-5 3. 6-10 4. More than 10 (estimated number of times?______)

For residents, cabin owners, and Lodge operators—have you ever had a guest reluctant to visit because of fear of visiting a remote area and not being able to get back to the U.S. quickly or to access health care?

1. Yes 2. No

Do you know anyone that has expressed a desire to live or own a cabin on the Angle, but the inability to get back to the U.S. quickly for medical care or otherwise has been a deterrent?

1. Yes 2. No

If an aircraft charter service was available from Baudette, Warroad, or nearby city, would you or your guests have occasion to use it for people or high-priority freight?

1. Yes 2. No

Would winter-time access by air to the Angle by visitors be beneficial to you?

1. Yes 2. No

Though the Angle is accessible by road, it involves clearing both U.S. and Canadian Customs each way. Would the absence of Customs clearance requirements be beneficial to you?

1. No—no difference 2. Yes—clearing Customs is a hassle, and may limit what I would like to bring to the Angle. 3. Yes—there are some people that do not have a passport that cannot come to the Angle by road. 4. Yes—if I bring high-value cargo in through Canada, I’m assessed Duty on it.

For business operators only—we are attempting to gauge the economic impact of additional visitors to the Angle. What is the average expenditure by guests at your business by guests per visit in dollars— either by daily visit or per multi-day visit? Mark your answer as “daily” or “multi-day”. Answers will be held in strict confidence. ______

Tell us in your own words why having an airport available on the Angle would or would not be beneficial to you, your guests, or your business. (Please use the back of this sheet if necessary.)

______PLEASE return by Oct. 28. Thank you for your time!