Port kicks off Airport Environmental Assessment with a Public Information Meeting

Washougal, Wash. (September 4, 2008) – The Port of Camas-Washougal is embarking on the first phase of the Grove Field Airport Environmental Assessment and invites the community to learn more about the project, ask questions and share their ideas at a Public Information Meeting.

Date: Tuesday, September 9th
Time: 7:00 p. m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: Camas High School Auditorium at 26900 SE 14th Street, Camas, Washington

The purpose of the environment assessment is to evaluate the possible impacts of future capital improvement projects as listed in the recent ALP’s master planning process, specifically focused on safety improvement plans. The goal is to bring Grove Field Airport into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards for the airport’s existing Airport Reference Code of A-1 (small), while complying with federal and state environmental regulations. The project will result in a Draft Environmental Assessment for public and agency review in the fall of 2009 and an environmental finding from FAA in late 2009.

The ALP calls for proposed improvements including realigning the current runway to the south, extending it to the east approximately 350 feet, and widening it by 20 feet. In addition, the existing parallel taxiway will be extended to match the runway. This project may require the relocation of Delp Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2010.

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.

Funding for this project involved seeking grants from the FAA, and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Operations. However, the FAA now requires an approved Airport Layout Plan that outlines details of airport improvements in order for Grove Field airport to receive federal and state funding. This project is being funded by the FAA (95%), WSDOT Aviation (2.5%) and the Port of Camas/Washougal (2.5%). Earlier this year, the Port was approved for $393,430 in federal funding for the environmental impact study. The Port will also invest $10,353, and receive another $10,353 in state matching towards this project.

The Port of Camas-Washougal began public discussion on an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for Grove Field Airport in September, 2005. In addition to the Port and the FAA, the ALP underwent review by the Washington State Department of Transportation (Aviation Division), and the Port’s Airport Advisory Committee. It was subsequently approved by the Port Commission and the Federal Aviation Association in September, 2007. This was followed by a Request for Qualifications for airport environmental and engineering services, which was awarded this January to WHPacific, a Northwest architecture and engineering firm. Specifically, the project will address issues such as water, soils, habitat, wildlife, pollution, safety, roads and storm water runoff in the environmental assessment which is anticipated to be completed next year.

For more information, please contact Port Administration at (360) 835-2196 or check the project website at www.grovefieldalp.org.