FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

PORTLAND, ORE. (Nov. 13, 2008) – Public Comment Invited on PDX Runway Extension and Rehabilitation Program

 

Port of Portland invites comments on plans to lengthen the north runway at Portland International Airport so that it is long enough to serve large passenger and cargo aircraft when the south runway closes in 2011 for up to six months of rehabilitation. 

 

The public review and comment period on the administrative draft Environmental Assessment document for PDX’s Runway and Rehabilitation Program runs Nov. 17-Dec. 16. 

 

The draft EA document is available for review at www.pdx.com, at the libraries listed below, or on a CD, by request.  Please send comments to ContactUs@portofportland.com

 

Additionally, staff will be available to discuss these projects at Port-sponsored public open houses scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m.:

 

•         Dec. 10 at Meek Professional Technical High School, 4039 N.E. Alberta Ct., in Portland

•         Dec. 16 at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. 5th, in Vancouver

 

People with special needs attending these public open house events are asked to contact the Port for accommodations at 503-944-7151 or 800-547-8411 ext. 7151.

 

The Port proposes lengthening the north runway from the current 8,000 feet to 9,827 feet to provide adequate runway length for most aircraft departures.  The south runway is 11,000 feet and in need of complete pavement rehabilitation.  An analysis completed on the south runway showed that the typical method of closing the runway at night for repairs, then reopening the runway during the day, does not allow enough time for necessary repair to the joints in the sub-base.  This method of open-and-shut construction also costs 40% more and yields inferior work.  Full-time closure and repair improves overall pavement integrity and longevity.

 

Following the close of the formal public review and comment period on Dec. 16, the Port anticipates receiving an EA decision by the Federal Aviation Administration by Jan. 22, 2009. Pending that decision, work on the north runway would take place May thru October in 2009 and 2010; south runway rehabilitation would take place May thru October 2011.

 

Area libraries where the EA document is available for review:

 

In Portland:

Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave., Government Documents, 2nd Floor

Port of Portland, 121 N.W. Everett St., Community Affairs Department, 7th Floor

Portland International Airport, 7000 N.E. Airport Way, Port Reception Desk

Concordia University Library, 2811 N.E. Holman St., Reserve Section

North Portland Library, 512 N. Killingsworth St., Front Desk

Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Front Desk

 

In Vancouver:

Cascade Park Community Library, 301 S.E. Hearthwood Blvd., Reference Section

Vancouver Community Library, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Reference Section

 

In Hillsboro:

Hillsboro Public Library at Tanasbourne, 2453 N.W. 185th Ave., Reference Section

Hillsboro Public Library at Shute Park, 775 S.E. 10th Ave., Reference Sectione:.