Opponents Of The Plan Say The Move Will Lead To Eventual Closure

The Port of Portland last week voted to shorten the runway at Troutdale Airport (KTTD) to a length that will not support small business jets, which opponents of the move say will lead to the eventual closure of the airport.

The Facebook page 'Save Troutdale Airport' indicates that the runways and taxiways of the airport will be dismantled down to gravel and rebuilt to 4,500 feet long and 75 feet wide. It is currently 5,400 feet long and 150 feet wide.

A representative of the Oregon Pilots Association on the Port of Portland Project Advisory Committee (PAC) looking at the airport attempted to include language in the Master Plan that would provide the possibility of a larger runway if additional outside funds could be found to make that possible. But the PAC voted 8-7 against the language. The FAA has said it will not approve a runway size different from that specified in the Master Plan.

The owner of the page points out that small business jets that might use the airport in support of the commercial and industrial complex that is being built out by the port will not be able to use the shortened runway. Several aviation businesses at the airport, including an FBO and propeller shop, have indicated that they will go out of business if the runway is shortened.

There is an effort underway to convince the Oregon legislature to transfer the airport to the Oregon Department of Aviation, which has been done in the past.

(Image from Save Troutdale Airport Facebook page)

FMI: www.facebook.com/Save-Troutdale-Airport-478515895684976/?fref=nf