PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland International Airport officially opened its new main terminal Wednesday morning, and all eyes were on the sweeping mass timber roof as the first passengers and visitors made their way through the wide-open new pre-security area. The elegant nine-acre wooden structure is the product of years of work from the Port of Portland in partnership with Native American tribes and local organizations, and Port Director Curtis Robinhold said it's the perfect signature feature for the airport.
"The sourcing of this roof, it all comes from within 300 miles of this spot," he said. "Four native American tribes, family-owned forests and a nonprofit forest (collaborated) to create this spectacular sort of homage to this region. Something that feels like you're walking through a forest.
" One of the tribal partners involved in securing the wood for the roof was Steve Rigdon from the Yakama Indian Reservation. Previously the general manager for Yakama Forest Products, he now works as the Tribal Partner Resource Stewardship Manager for Sustainable NW, and he was at the terminal on Wednesday to witness the grand opening. He said it was incredibly rewarding to see the terminal finally complete and operational, describing the new roof as a "community regional accomplishment" that will endure for generations.
"It's amazing," he said. "It's something that we're able to come and be a part of, and show our children and grandchildren the benefits from our forests, from our econ.