Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Invests $17.1 Million in Oregon Rural Airports

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced a significant investment in rural airports throughout Oregon, with over $17.1 million allocated to improve infrastructure and services at six airports. The investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to enhance safety and efficiency at these critical hubs. The senators have praised the law for delivering much-needed infrastructure investments to rural communities in Oregon. Airport officials have expressed gratitude for the federal funding, emphasizing its potential to foster economic development and improve airport services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $17.1 million to improve infrastructure and services at six Oregon rural airports.
  • The investment includes funding for runway and taxiway construction, hangar building, navigational aid installation, and fueling apron construction.
  • Specific airports receiving funding include Crater Lake/Klamath Regional, La Grande/Union County, City of Hermiston/Hermiston Municipal, Port of Hood River/Ken Jernstedt Airfield, City of McMinnville/McMinnville Municipal, and Grant County/Grant County Municipal.
  • The FAA has provided $6.7 million in grants to La Grande/Union County Airport, with plans to improve deficient shoulders, construct new taxilanes, and adjust runway lighting.
  • The investment is expected to foster economic development and improve airport services, with officials highlighting the potential benefits for rural communities.
  • Senators Wyden and Merkley have expressed their commitment to securing federal funding for airport improvements, prioritizing passenger safety and airport efficiency.
  • Airport officials have praised the federal partnership, emphasizing the importance of FAA funding in supporting critical upgrades and self-sustainability goals.

Statistics:

  • $17.1 million: Total investment in Oregon rural airports
  • $7.76 million: Funding allocated to Crater Lake/Klamath Regional Airport (runway and taxiway construction)
  • $6.45 million: Funding allocated to La Grande/Union County Airport (runway construction to enhance safety)
  • $6.7 million: FAA grants to La Grande/Union County Airport (infrastructure improvements)
  • 6: Number of airports receiving funding
  • $2.18 million: Funding allocated to City of Hermiston/Hermiston Municipal Airport (runway protection and conformity)
  • $502,650: Funding allocated to Port of Hood River/Ken Jernstedt Airfield (hangar construction)
  • $202,357: Funding allocated to City of McMinnville/McMinnville Municipal Airport (navigational aid installation)
  • $58,500: Funding allocated to Grant County/Grant County Municipal Airport (fueling apron construction)

Sources:

  • Wyden, R., & Merkley, J. (2023). Wyden, Merkley Announce More Than $17 Million to be Invested in Oregon Rural Airports under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Retrieved from https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-announce-more-than-17-million-to-be-invested-in-oregon-rural-airports-under-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law.