Press release: April 15, 2010

Citizens Challenge Hillsboro Airport Expansion

Inadequate environmental assessment pushes through new runway that threatens neighborhoods

Hillsboro, Ore:Three private citizens are challenging the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of a new, third runway at Hillsboro Airport in Hillsboro, Oregon. On March 8, 2010, Miki Barnes and other residents filed a petition for review before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco (Barnes v U.S. Dot, Case No. 10-70718). The residents request that the court set aside the Federal Aviation Administration's decision and direct the agency to comply with federal environmental law by preparing an Environmental Impact Statement.

However, the FAA could try to sneak the project through and build the runway before the court can even hear the case. Therefore, on April 9, 2010, the residents asked the FAA to issue a voluntary stay of the order approving the new runway until the Court of Appeals makes a decision.

Hillsboro Airport Encroaching on the Community

The new runway, which will increase the capacity for arrivals and departures at the Hillsboro Airport, will also increase noise, toxic emissions and greenhouse gases. The airport complex already encroaches on adjacent residential neighborhoods, established farms, cherished fairgrounds, wildlife habitat, and surrounding communities. The expansion will only make matters worse. Furthermore, the new runway may be a precursor to plans that would eventually bring commercial passenger and air freight operations and facilities to Hillsboro.

"The Federal Aviation Administration pushed this project through without proper environmental analysis and without meaningful public participation," said Miki Barnes, one of the residents challenging the airport expansion. "We want to be heard, not ignored," Barnes implored.