The initial step in the Master Plan Update for Tucson International Airport is the identification of a series of goals and objectives that will establish guidelines for the planning process. These goals and objectives reflect the input of the Tucson Airport Authority, the Long Range Planning Council, the Airport’s Planning Advisory Committee, and the Airport’s Consultants. The Goals and Objectives will ultimately form the framework for evaluating the recommended long-range development plan and ensuring that the on-going development of the airport is consistent with the airport’s overall strategic objectives.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Game & Fish Department and the Arizona State Parks Board are required to conduct a study every three years on watercraft fuel consumption and recreational watercraft usage. The fuel consumption data is collected to determine the allocation of motor vehicle fuel tax to the State Lake Improvement Fund. The information on recreational watercraft usage patterns on Arizona’s lakes and rivers is necessary, in part, to determine the distribution of SLIF funds to applicants.

This update of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Master Plan has been undertaken to evaluate the airport's capabilities and role, to review forecasts of future aviation demand, and to plan for the timely development of new or expanded facilities that may be required to meet that demand. The ultimate goal of the master plan is to provide systematic guidelines for the airport's overall development, maintenance, and operation.