10R-EAProposed Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) Program and Related Improvements Project at Boise Airport
The City of Boise Department of Aviation wants your input on the initial steps of a Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) Program and Related Improvements Environmental Assessment (EA) at the Boise Airport.
A public scoping open house was held on June 7, 2022 to explain the proposed project and the EA process. While the public open house has already taken place, you can still view the information shared and provide comment on the proposed project for consideration in the Draft EA. All public comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. MDT on Thursday, July 7, 2022. See below for direction on how to provide public comment.
What runway changes are being considered in the project?
- Extending Runway 28L by 1,578 feet for a total new runway length for Runway 10R/28L of 10,000 feet. This would be achieved between a combination of relocating 1,341 feet from Runway 10R to 28L and adding an additional 237 feet.
- Relocating and/or replacing navigational aids (NAVAIDs), physical devices on the ground for aircraft pilots to detect and fly to. NAVAIDs include Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Localizer (LOC), Approach Lighting System with Sequenced Flashing Lights (ALSF-2), Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI), Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs), Glideslope, Runway Visual Range (RVR), Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR).
- Removing portions of Taxiways J and F.
- Constructing Taxiways B and P.
Public comments* can be made through the following methods:
- Written comment via email delivered to: julie.barrow@rsandh.com
- Written comment via US mail delivered to: Jen Hoffman at the address below
- Written comment dropped off at the Boise Airport at the address below
Boise Airport Administration
Attn: Jen Hoffman
3201 Airport Way, Suite 1000
Boise, Idaho 83705
*All public comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. MDT on Thursday, July 7, 2022
Environmental Assessment Next Steps:
- We are currently accepting public comment through 5:00 p.m. MDT on Thursday, July 7, 2022
- Anticipate a Draft EA will be published summer 2022. The Draft EA will describe the existing environmental conditions (affected environment), analyze the potential environmental effects of the proposed action (environmental consequences), and address the public comments received
- A Public Workshop will be held when the Draft EA is published
- Anticipate the Final EA will be published in the fall of 2022
- After the Final EA is published, the FAA will issue its finding (anticipated end of 2022 / beginning of 2023)
What is a Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM)?
Runway incursions occur when the airfield geometry is such that there is risk of aircraft or vehicles in a protected area reserved for aircraft landing or taking off. Risk factors that contribute to runway incursions may include unclear taxiway markings, airport signage, and more complex issues such as the runway or taxiway layout. RIM improvements look to reconfigure runways and taxiways with simpler geometry and remove hot spots, locations on an airport movement area with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion.
Why is the Boise Airport proposing RIM improvements?
During the 2019 Boise Airport Master Plan Update, a hot spot and nonstandard taxiway geometry were identified as contributing to the increased risk of runway incursions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) included the Boise Airport in its official RIM program in 2018 to begin the process for mitigating those risks. Additionally, a Runway Safety Action Team for the Airport identified the Airport’s staggered runway thresholds as a potential contributor for wrong surface landings.
Public scoping comments will be addressed in the Draft EA. If an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required by the FAA, this open house served as part of the scoping session for the EIS.