Port of Portland Retains 4,500 Foot Runway at Troutdale Airport

June 10, 2016

Following a two-year process, a recommended plan for the future of Troutdale Airport was approved by the Port of Portland Commission this week. A 23 member project advisory committee, made up of community members, pilots, airport tenants and other stakeholders, worked on the master plan project with the Port. The committee’s recommendation calls for reconstructing the runway length to 4,500 feet and earmarking some airport land for industrial use.

Troutdale Airport is located in east Multnomah County approximately eight miles from PDX and has one runway and an FAA contract air traffic control tower. Purchased by the Port in 1942, the airport serves as a home for a fixed base operator that supplies fuel, flight training and aircraft rentals; several specialized aviation service operators focusing on aircraft repair and maintenance, flight schools, and recreational aircraft.

“As a businessman and pilot passionate about East County, I’m proud of this thorough, open process,” said Travis Stovall, committee chair. “We arrived at an outcome that will make the best use of public resources and benefit the community, while preserving the airport.”

Key committee recommendations include the following:

  • The Port will continue to manage Troutdale Airport as an important part of the regional and state airport system with a master plan implemented in phases over 20 years.
  • The existing 5,400 foot long by 150 foot wide airport runway will be reconstructed to 4,500 feet in length by 75 feet in width, which is consistent with forecast activity and current FAA design guidance. Aviation facilities will consolidate on the south side of the airport offering new opportunities for 56 acres of industrial development on the airport’s north side. 
  • The Port and the city of Troutdale will work with other east Multnomah County interests to maintain and enhance the airport’s viability as an important part of the Portland airport system, supporting both the aviation and industrial goals of the community at large.

Through the two year planning process, the Port of Portland came to understand that Troutdale Airport was a valued community asset on a financially unsustainable path. At the same time, the Port identified a local civic need for increased economic opportunities. The master plan process evaluated the forecast for future aviation needs, airport financial sustainability and opportunities for community investment to produce a balanced roadmap for future growth.

“Troutdale is a city that has seen steady and promising growth,” said Troutdale Mayor Doug Daoust. “We want to preserve that path by continuing to balance opportunities with the need for ongoing financial sustainability for our public assets. I’m very pleased with the community process that led to this recommendation, and look forward to continued collaboration between the City of Troutdale and the Port of Portland.”

The committee hosted 11 meetings to reach its final recommendations. The committee was also informed by other community input collected from stakeholder meetings, five open house forums and public outreach events prior to key project milestones.