Following a two-year process, a recommended plan for the future of Hillsboro Airport was approved yesterday by the Port of Portland Commission.
An 18-member planning advisory committee, made up of community members, organizations representing culturally specific and youth perspectives, partner agencies, aviation professionals and other stakeholders, worked on the master plan project with the Port and its consultants.
The committee’s recommendation continues Hillsboro Airport’s role as a general aviation reliever airport that supports the corporate business aviation, flight training and recreational needs of the region.
“Our work together was intended to help make bridges between communities that might drive past this asset, but might not recognize its value and impact,” said committee member Juan Carlos Gonzalez, director of development and communications for Centro Cultural de Washington County. “Across the region, leaders are recognizing the intrinsic value of engaging communities, leading with race and leading planning efforts that don’t leave people behind. Our committee’s work really did make a difference.”
Key recommendations:
- No new runways are needed. Runways are planned to remain the same length and width through the 20‐year planning period of the master plan. New taxiways will increase aircraft movement efficiency and improve access to the airfield’s north side.
- A replacement terminal building is planned for the current airport entrance adjacent to Northeast Cornell Road. It will face the primary runway and feature improved vehicle parking. Some of the property fronting Cornell Road may also provide opportunities for non‐aviation commercial development. Synergies with the Washington County Fair Complex and Events Center should increase and complement airport development in the Cornell Road area.
- The north and east side of the airport will accommodate future flight school redevelopment and additional aircraft storage hangars.
- A portion of undeveloped airport land, not dedicated to aviation needs in the planning period, will be used for the development of compatible non-aviation uses such as light industrial or warehousing.
More information about the plan is available at www.portofportland.com/HIO/MasterPlan
“The City of Hillsboro and Washington County appreciates the commitment to the airport and all of the work that’s been done,” said Jerry Willey, planning advisory committee chair. “Thank you for the great opportunity to educate our community and our county on the assets and benefits of having an airport right here in the center of Hillsboro and to be able to plan and look forward to the next 20 years.”
In addition to nine public committee meetings, community input was solicited through a broad range of outreach and methods that coincided with key phases of the project. The Port contracted with Centro Cultural de Washington County to provide outreach strategy, assistance and translation. Community engagement focused on a multimedia approach, including online and live open houses, videos and over 30 community events and quarterly tenant meetings. Based on an understanding of the local community, the Port emphasized Latinx community outreach including Spanish language translation for various outreach events.
Hillsboro Airport is an integral part of the region’s transportation system, providing the highest standard of general aviation facilities to businesses and residents of Washington County and beyond. The airport is home to local corporate flight departments, aircraft charter services, air ambulance services, flight schools, aircraft maintenance and repair operations, corporate air shuttle service, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office for international flights. Originally established in 1928, the Port became the operator of Hillsboro Airport in 1966. The airport has three runways (6,600-feet, 3,821-feet and 3,600-feet), a Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control tower and an instrument landing system.