OPEN HOUSE SET FOR APRIL 21 ON GROVE FIELD AIRPORT STUDY

WASHOUGAL, WASH. (April 9, 2009) - The Port of Camas-Washougal invites the community to review the draft Grove Field Airport improvement alternatives currently being considered, to have their questions answered and share their input. A public open house is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Camas High School Commons area. The drop-in style open house will include periodic project overview presentations and graphic representations of the alternatives at display stations. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and collect comments.

The purpose of this Environmental Assessment project is to bring Grove Field Airport into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration design standards for the Airport’s existing Airport Reference Code of A-I (small), while complying with Federal and State environmental regulations. The current airport designation for Grove Field allows for aircraft with approach speeds of less than 91 knots, wingspans up to 49 feet and a maximum weight of 12,500 pounds. There will be no change in the size of aircraft typically using Grove Field Airport as a result of this project.

WHPacific and JLA Public Involvement are working with the Port of Camas/Washougal to conduct the Environmental Assessment and engage the public throughout the process. The proposed project includes re-aligning the runway to the south and extending it to the west approximately 350 feet. This will require the relocation of Delp Road. In addition, the existing parallel taxiway will be extended to match the runway. The project will result in a Draft Environmental Assessment for public and agency review in the fall of 2009 and an environmental finding from the FAA in late 2009. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2010.

The Port of Camas/Washougal values and encourages input from the community about this project and other Port initiatives. For information, please visit the Port’s Web site at www.portcw.com and click on Projects / Environmental Assessment (EA) Airport Layout Plan or contact David Ripp, executive director, at (360) 835-2196 x101 or David@portcw.com.