Airport managers and commissioners have historically confronted a dilemma when trying to make a case regarding the economic value of their airport. In response to this issue, William Gartner and Daniel Erkkila of the University of Minnesota developed a Web-based airport economic impact calculator in 2004.

In this presentation, Gartner will detail the recent process of updating the calculator, which prompts users to enter data on nine types of economic activity to determine the impact of their local airport. The newly updated calculator allows for greater variability in the size and scale of airport operations and also reflects changes in the economy since the calculator was first developed. Gartner will also discuss an accompanying study on the total economic impact of Minnesota's airports. Among the findings: Minnesota airports generated $12.2 billion in economic activity last year.