Open House at SORA, May 22

The Coos County Airport District is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make the runway safety area at the northeastern end of Southwest Oregon Regional Airport’s main runway (4/22) comply with current airfield design standards. A runway safety area is a required designated area that provides extra space at the end of a runway in the event of an unexpected emergency during takeoff or landing. In addition, the Airport is interested in updating the aging Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting building, relocating the Glide Slope instrumentation to comply with FAA standards, and performing maintenance on the Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System.  Please attend the upcoming public open house to learn about the proposed changes to the airport and the runway safety area. May 30th, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Southwest Oregon Regional Airport Lobby, 1100 Airport Ln, North Bend, OR 97459, Refreshments will be provided.  Environmental Review Process:  The Airport has been working with the FAA to consider different design options that would bring the runway and the runway safety area into compliance with FAA standards. The FAA is preparing an environmental assessment, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, that analyzes whether the proposed changes will have significant impacts to the natural environment or nearby community. The FAA considers Runway 4/22 to be operating safely at this time and will continue to operate safely while this portion of the airfield is brought up to current design standards. The proposed improvements will not change the types of aircraft that can use Southwest Oregon Regional Airport.