Hillsboro Airport Parallel Runway Project
In 2009 the Port of Portland (Port) proposed to construct a parallel runway at HIO. The runway had been previously identified in the 2005 Hillsboro Airport Master Plan and Compatibility Study Update as a way to reduce congestion, delay and improve efficiency at HIO. An Environmental Assessment (EA) looked at several alternatives to the runway proposal, and thoroughly analyzed potential environmental impacts, including air emissions, noise, traffic, and effects on wetlands and wildlife. The environmental review process also included a 43-day public comment period and numerous public meetings.
In 2010 the FAA completed a review of the HIO Parallel Runway 12L/30R Environmental Assessment and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on January 8, 2010.
Members of the community challenged the decision in court and in August 2011 the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit remanded the matter back to the FAA for further consideration. Specifically, the court remanded the case to the FAA with instructions to consider the environmental impact of increased demand resulting from the HIO expansion project, if any.
A new taxiway at HIO was constructed in summer 2011. The taxiway can be used for aviation activities at HIO independent of serving the proposed runway.
The runway project is made possible by federal and state grants. The Port has received $9.65 million from the Federal Aviation Administration and $4.0 million from Connect Oregon III, a state program to help fund non-road transportation projects. The total approved project budget is currently $17.2 million, which includes costs for the Environmental Assessment and wetland mitigation.
The Port worked with the FAA to develop information that responds to the court’s remand order, and to determine the best approach for analyzing the issue the court identified. In response, a Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been developed and is now available for review and public comment. The Draft SEA will be available for a 35 day public comment period from March 15, 2013 through April 19, 2013.
The Port will hold an open house and public hearing April 17, 2013 from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm at the Hillsboro Civic Center, rooms 113B & C located at 150 E Main Street in Hillsboro. The event will provide interested citizens and community representatives with an opportunity to learn about the results of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment for the new Parallel Runway 12L/30R. The purpose of the public hearing is to provide an opportunity to comment on the Draft SEA. The Port will provide a stenographer to document testimony. There will also be comment cards available for attendees to submit written comments on the Draft SEA.
The Draft SEA is available at the link below or at the following locations: Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro Shute Park Branch, 775 SE 10th Avenue, Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 E. Main Street, Port of Portland Headquarters, 7200 NE Airport Way, 8th Floor Reception Desk, Portland Oregon.
For additional information or to receive a CD copy by mail, please email Renee Dowlin, Senior Environmental Planner or call 503.415.6566.
Written public comments on the Draft SEA should be submitted to:
Ms. Renee Dowlin, Senior Environmental Planner, Port of Portland, P.O. Box 3529, Portland, Oregon 97208 or by email to renee.dowlin@portofportland.com. All mailed comments must be postmarked by April 19, 2013. All comments submitted via email must be received by 5 p.m. on April 19, 2013.