I think we've discovered the circle of life as it pertains to Portland projects. First they grow bigger and bigger despite the need. Then they have to be split in two because they're too big for the small crowds to enjoy an intimate experience.

So look for a new Portland airport soon that only handles Cessnas to be built in the Lents neighborhood.

Finally, both projects go bankrupt and the circle of life begins anew.

Regarding the airport specifically, I would assume air travel all over the U.S. is down because of the economy. I would be surprised if it was Portland-specific.

Do you think passenger traffic at PDX is going to drop/stay "lower" indefinitely? I would guess it would begin increasing again once the economy begins to improve.

I know for a fact that many different types of construction are dirt-cheap right now. I'm not familiar with the projects at PDX, but couldn't it be a good investment to invest while the cost of improvements/expansion is relatively low in anticipation of increased costs and increased passenger traffic?

I do know that general aviation has taken a huge hit in the past year as far as air traffic is concerned. Lots of small general aviation airports all over the US are having money problems. Not to mention there is a glut of small airplanes and corporate jets on the market with few buyers. Just one of many reasons why the Cessna factory in Bend shut down recently. Also, given the current economy as well as the huge hassles of flying in commercial aircraft, I seriously doubt that air traffic at the PDX airport will be at 2006-2007 levels again anytime soon.

On a personal note, I will almost always drive somewhere rather than fly if the trip is under four hours drive time. Who needs the hassle of dealing with TSA people and the ever changing rules of what you can and cannot take on an airplane with you?

I know for a fact that many different types of construction are dirt-cheap right now

In general, yes; for public-sector construction, often not. I don't have any hard evidence of this; history is my guideline.

In general, yes; for public-sector construction, often not. I don't have any hard evidence of this; history is my guideline.

I'm not so sure about that:
http://tinyurl.com/ccr4c6

The last six or seven COP BES sewer projects bid in 2009 have come in at 50-55% of the estimate (the estimates were based on 2008 prices).

From conversations with contractors, many are hoping to just keep up with the interest payments on their equipment and to keep their most experienced employees at work.

PDX is at present somewhat over-built, but traffic will likely pick up, once the economy picks up. The current runway project seems like necessary repairs to critical infrastructure (i.e., the south runway, which handles the largest aircraft, needs repair). Do you oppose the runway repairs, or is there some other project you object to?

The price of oil (kerosene -- jet fuel -- is 100% from oil) is already edging back over the $50-$60 mark that had airlines folding before last summer's runup to $150, which had airlines imploding.

Mounting evidence that we've hit the global oil peak suggests that we've got all the airline capacity we'll ever need (and plenty more). Any spending on the airline industry now is just pork.

passenger volume was going down before this recession - soaring fuel prices had airlines jacking up prices and cutting flights...

if/when we get out of this recession, fuel prices will soar again and airlines will continue to frustrate and anger their customers with high ticket costs, ridiculous fees, and the incredibly annoying process of air travel they've created, resulting in lower traffic.

Building a second parking garage was and remains a very foolish idea - sucks for those who own private garages...I guess the good news is it'll be cheap to park there!

I received a nice postcard that airplanes would be diverted over our NE Portland house for the next six months... on the day that it commenced.

I also got a postcard saying that Alberta will be shut down for all of the Last Thursdays from May to October. Oh, but after it was announced, we could go to a public meeting to discuss it.

it'll be cheap to park there!

When pigs fly (no pun intended).

Jack, I'm disappointed.

There's no mention of eating irish babies in this thread. Now THAT was a modest proposal.

Paper reports today that the airport's getting a couple million in stimulus money to catch the deicing fluid --- apparently "polluter pays" doesn't apply at the airport (or else we'd be charging the airlines to clean up their own toxic wastes)

Don't forget that Ikea and the big boxes are out there because the Bechtel plan in the trade of development oppurtunity for the Airport Max didn't quite pan out.

There might still be enough land in Cascade Station for a minor league ballpark.