Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Port have a preferred outcome?
No. The Port is conducting its due diligence to see whether adding commercial passenger services would bring jobs and economic opportunities to our community, as well as exploring its effect on the local quality of life. Once the Port has a clearer picture of community priorities, available economic opportunities, and the likely associated costs and impacts, the Board of Commissioners will determine whether to take any next steps.
If the Port decides to pursue commercial service, who will pay for the needed expansion?
It is too early to say. Phase 2 of the study will include an analysis of estimated costs and begin to explore potential funding sources. Federal or state funding may be available, depending on the type of improvements involved in expanding airport service. Many times, private-sector companies have an interest in this type of investment as well.
How is this study related to the Washington State Commercial Aviation Work Group?
This study is not connected to the work being performed by the Commercial Aviation Work Group. It is independent and intended to assess the market feasibility specific to the Bremerton National Airport while considering the feedback the Port receives from the communities it serves.
Click here for more information about the Commercial Aviation Work Group.
If this process takes years, will the market analysis remain accurate by the time construction begins?
If the Port decides to move forward with infrastructure improvements that would support the introduction of air service, continuous effort would be needed throughout design and construction to market to specific airlines. This would include refreshing market data, monitoring industry changes and market conditions, and meeting with airlines to present our business case and explore interest.
Would expanding airport service require Highway 3 to be expanded?
It is too early to say. Phase 2 of the study will include a detailed traffic analysis and begin to investigate potential road infrastructure improvements.. Any changes to Highway 3 or other nearby roads must also be planned and coordinated with local jurisdictions and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Would expanding airport service require building a new, or longer, runway?
It is too early to say whether the existing runway should be extended. One of the goals of the study is understanding what types of commercial passenger aircraft are feasible with the airport in its current condition, and what additional opportunities could become available with infrastructure improvements. Phase 2 of the study will also look more closely at the cost, timeline, and expected return on investment from making significant changes to the airport. Building a completely new runway is not within the scope of this feasibility study.
What effect will the air traffic have on noise? How would expansion affect the environment (e.g., air quality, noise, sensitive lands)? Is there anything that can be done to ease burdens on air quality, noise, etc.?
During Phase 1, we compared industry standards for Bremerton National Airport’s current range of aircraft to the standards for the types of aircraft that might operate if commercial passenger or cargo service was introduced. You can review those findings in the presentation recorded here. A more substantial noise impacts analysis will be included in Phase 2. Further review of these environmental questions will be included in future phases of study, should the Commission decide to pursue them.