Portland International Airport (PDX) resilient runway benefit-cost analysis

This study supports the Portland International Airport to study the long-term benefits of investing in a seismically resilient runway. Oregon has a significant potential in the next 50 years of experiencing an earthquake greater than magnitude-8.7 originating from the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Such an earthquake will cause catastrophic damage and loss of life across Oregon and much of the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia to Northern California. This is a massive risk and a major vulnerability. However, mitigation investments before a disaster can reduce its impacts. With new investments in airfield infrastructure, the Port of Portland (Port) can play a crucial part in the region’s earthquake response and recovery.

The aim of the study is to help decision-makers build a mitigation strategy so they can protect lives, properties, and assets. The paper's mission is to provide the scientific data that may assist policymakers to develop effective federal programs that support pre-disaster mitigation and encourage more mitigation investments from the public and private sector.