Runway 13/31 Extension Environmental Assessment

As part of the Runway 13/31 Extension project, the airport is required to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) to comply with federal regulations laid out in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The FAA developed Order 1050.1G to define FAA policies and procedures to ensure compliance with NEPA.

What’s the Goal?

The goal of the NEPA process is to ensure the airport is making informed decisions when determining whether or not to pursue a project, and which project alternative to select. NEPA ensures consideration of environmental factors are a part of the final decision making process. This requires full disclosure and documentation of the decision making process, public and agency involvement, and consideration of analysis and feedback prior to a final decision being made. FAA Order 1050.1G provides the procedures to ensure compliance with NEPA.

NEPA does not:

  • Prohibit adverse environmental effects

  • Require a federal agency to place environmental concerns above other factors critical to a decision

  • Select the environmentally preferable alternative

NEPA does:

  • Require the analysis to be documented

  • Require all impacts to be disclosed

  • Require agencies to consider all analysis and feedback

EA Process

The EA process is required to be completed in 1 year. There are several steps to complete as part of this process that are outlined below:

At the end of the process, the FAA will either issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or require a more robust study into the environmental effects of the proposed project. The FONSI is typically valid for 3 years and requires the airport to make major steps towards implementation of the project within the 3-year window. Any proposed changes to the project can be addressed through an amendment to the EA.

EA Documents

Chapters from the EA will be posted here as they are completed. Check back later for more information.

Public Involvement

The EA process includes a Public Open House meeting as a way to provide project information and solicit feedback from the community and project stakeholders. The meeting will include a mix of project materials and project presentations. The project team will be available at the meeting to answer questions.

 The Open House is tentatively planned to be held in 2026. Check back later for more updates.