Funding Bound For Rural Oregon Airports

Federal officials are announcing new investments in Oregon’s regional airports.  Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with members of the state’s House delegation, say more than $3.1 million in federal funding is headed to ten airports across the state.

“Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.”

“Investing in critical airport improvements such as taxiways, helipads, hangars, and more increases safety and strengthens infrastructure across our state,” Merkley added.  “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.” 

The funds will pay for safety and infrastructure upgrades, including taxiways, hangars, helipads, and new equipment.  Here is a breakdown of how the $3.14 million will be distributed across Oregon:  

• $1 million to the city of McMinnville for McMinnville Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone to help pilots; to build 12,500 feet of perimeter fencing and 10 gates.
• $417,996 to the city of Burns for Burns Municipal Airport to build a new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building.
• $400,338 to the city of Florence for the Florence Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone and segmented circle navigational aid for pilots.
• $289,000 to the Port of Portland for Troutdale Airport to reseal 13,000 feet of existing taxiways and joints.
• $274,708 to the city of Ontario for Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad.
• $245,950 to the city of Corvallis for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,300-foot north taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area.
• $160,332 to Morrow County for the Lexington Airport to replace the precision approach path indicator for a runway; to replace and relocate the existing precision approach path indicator for another runway.
• $137,000 to the city of Newport for the Newport Airport to build a new 5,250-square-foot non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage.
• $137,000 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for the Tillamook Airport to build a new fuel farm by adding two fuel tanks and two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type.
• $78,063 to the Port of Gold Beach for Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement; to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement 

 In last week's announcement, the lawmakers said smaller airports play a critical role in supporting local businesses, emergency response, and travel, especially in rural communities.  Local officials said the upgrades will improve safety, boost local economies, and help airports stay resilient during disasters.

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