Pierce County will update the master plan for the Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW) in Gig Harbor in 2013.

The county and stakeholders will evaluate potential alternatives and determine how best to meet the community’s long-term development needs so that future airport improvements are eligible for federal funding.

The 20-year improvement plan will provide guidelines for future airport development that will satisfy aviation demand, be financially feasible and operationally effective, and address safety, environmental, and community issues.

“The master plan process is an opportunity for the community to develop a vision for the airport to meet its needs for transportation, recreation and jobs,” said Deb Wallace, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities airport and ferry administrator. “Proposed alternatives – such as new facilities or improvements to existing structures – will be evaluated from an aviation and community standpoint.”

This will be the first master plan update since Pierce County purchased the airport from the City of Tacoma in 2008. The last master plan update was completed in 2003.

Public meetings on Jan. 30

The county will host a series of open houses during the year to get feedback from stakeholders such as businesses, airport tenants and pilots and community residents. The first open house is scheduled from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 30 at Goodman Middle School, 3701 38th Ave. NW in Gig Harbor.

The public may also attend a meeting of the project’s Planning Advisory Committee from 2-4 p.m. on Jan 30 at the Cottesmore of Life Care Cafe, 2909 14th Ave. NW in Gig Harbor.

TIW is a regional airport that is used for small business jet travel and general aviation. The airport serves businesses, recreational flying, flight instruction, medical services, the media, the military and law enforcement. It saw more than 50,000 takeoffs and landings in 2012.

Pierce County also owns Pierce County Airport-Thun Field in Puyallup.

More information is available at www.piercecountywa.org/airports.