MADISON, Wis. — Dane County has launched a $5.8 million master-planning process intended to shape future improvements at Dane County Regional Airport and help the facility keep pace with regional growth. County Executive Melissa Agard announced the initiative Thursday. The plan will document the airport’s current condition, assess future demand and identify projects that could be incorporated into airport improvements and Federal Aviation Administration planning. The first phase includes a full evaluation of the airfield. Planners also will map airport property, conduct environmental reviews, assess parking and ground transportation, update the airport’s geographic information system and examine possible future development on airport-owned land. “As the fastest-growing county in the state, we must plan for the future growth of Dane County Regional Airport,” Agard said. “Planning for future growth now is the best way to ensure our airport continues to meet the needs of travelers and remains a strong economic driver for the South Central Wisconsin region.” The FAA is expected to cover 90% of the project’s cost. Dane County Regional Airport and the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics will each contribute 5%. The study could help determine how the airport should expand or modernize in the years ahead, including decisions involving airfield facilities, parking, ground access and the use of airport property. Those choices will affect travelers, nearby communities and the region’s transportation and economic-development plans. Information about the planning process is available at MSNMasterPlan.com.