TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, Acting City Manager
FROM: Brian D. Martin, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
title
Letter from Airport Advisory Commission regarding the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport Master Plan
Ward(s): Ward 2
Councilor(s): Nishioka
Neighborhood(s): SEMCA, SESNA
Result Area(s): Strong and Diverse Economy
end
SUMMARY:
summary
Transmitting a letter to City Council from the City’s Airport Advisory Commission regarding the study of future runway and taxiway alternatives as part of developing an update to the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport Master Plan.
end
ISSUE:
For Information Only
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
For Information Only
body
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
At its January 24, 2024, meeting, the City’s Airport Advisory Commission (AAC) voted to authorize its Chair, John Foley, to write a letter to City Council outlining several concerns its members had about the alternatives analysis phase of the Airport Layout Plan, which will determine the future of Runway 16/34 and one or more connecting taxiways. Of specific concern was the cost estimates anticipated from the project consultants, Mead and Hunt and how they could influence a decision on the future of Runway 16/34. Additionally, the AAC recommended an analysis of other viable alternative funding sources. The letter was drafted and dated March 20, 2024.
At its May 15, 2024, meeting, after consulting with City staff, the AAC decided to delay sending the letter to City Council until such time when it would coincide with the City Council’s review of the information.
A City Council Work Session on runway and taxiway alternatives was held on February 18, 2025. The letter should have been included in the packet for the session. It is important that this letter be conveyed to the Council without further delay.
The attached letter from the AAC is the original letter dated March 20, 2024. The missing signature from Mr. Foley is due to his term as Chair ending in December 2024. The current Chair of the AAC is Mr. Mike Morrow. Rather than have Mr. Marrow sign the letter, we felt it important to forward the letter from the past Chair and allow Mr. Marrow to submit another letter under his signature.
The public outreach component of the Airport Layout Plan phase of the overall Airport Master Plan is anticipated to begin in March 2025, with an Airport Planning Advisory Committee meeting, a public open house in mid-April, and an AAC meeting in May, at which time the AAC may choose to send additional correspondence to City Council.
As requested in the AAC letter, the Salem Public Works Department will conduct an independent review of the Mead and Hunt cost estimates and a explore potential alternative funding sources concurrent with the public outreach process. Our goal is to ensure that all relevant facts and considerations are available to support a well-informed decision later this summer.
BACKGROUND:
The update to the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport Master Plan began in 2022. A pause in the process occurred in 2023 and continued through a portion of 2024, while Salem developed commercial air service. Work on the Master Plan has resumed, and the public outreach component will begin this month. Additional information, including all public comments, will be presented to City Council later this summer before a decision on Runway 16/34 is needed.
Mark Becktel, AICP
Assistant Public Works Director - Operations
Attachments:
1. 1. Letter from the Salem Airport Advisory Commission, dated March 20, 2024.
2. Minutes from the January 24, 2024, Salem Airport Advisory Committee Meeting.
3. Public Comments Received