Wengerd, Sherman A. (Sherman Alexander), 1915-1995

Sherman A. Wengerd (b. 1915) was a professor of geology at the University of New Mexico from 1947-1976 and also a research geologist in petroleum exploration, hydrology, and coal beginning in 1947. He began full time consulting work in 1976. The bulk of his work was done in the Four Corners area of the Southwest United States. Wengerd was active in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, serving as national editor from 1957-1958 and president from 1971-1972, and was a charter member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, serving as state section president in 1970.

From the description of Papers, 1911-1986 (bulk 1947-1980). (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 28987074

In 1969, Landrum and Brown were commissioned to study general aviation needs of the Albuquerque area, and to explore the feasibility of building a "reliever" airport on Albuquerque's West Mesa. The results of their study suggested, among other things, that the existing international airport be expanded rather than constructing a new airport on the West Mesa. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) did not support the report's findings, preferring the West Mesa option.

A city/county-wide controversy ensued. The city created the Airport Advisory Board, and the county created the West Mesa Airport Evaluation Committee to study the issue. In December 1970, the City and County Commissions joined together to reconstitute the West Mesa Airport Evaluation Committee as the Metropolitan Airport Development Committee (MADC), with members appointed by both entities. The MADC had an advisory role to the City and County Commissions, and was also charged with studying land acquisition west of the volcanoes.

In 1971, the City and County applied to the FAA for a master planning grant to study a West Mesa Airport site. Herkenhoff and Associates of Albuquerque and the Ralph M. Parsons Company of Los Angeles were selected to jointly conduct the Airport Master Plan Study, beginning in February, 1972. Their findings indicated that there were immediate foreseeable needs to develop a facility as a "reliever" for general aviation pressures on Albuquerque's International Airport.

In 1975, the Urban Transportation Planning Board recommended that local governments proceed with the application process for federal assistance to construct a new airport. A year-long environmental impact assessment was completed in December 1976. Public hearings were held in early 1977. An initial FAA grant providing funding for land acquisition was accepted by the City in the fall of 1978. A second grant for land acquisition followed in 1979. Ground was broken for a new airport on the West Mesa on December 10, 1982. Grand opening ceremonies took place on October 5, 1983. The airport was named the Double Eagle II Airport.

From the guide to the Albuquerque Metropolitan Airport Development Committee Collection, 1969-1979, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)