Oregon Airports Receive $17.1 Million in Federal Funds for Upkeep and Expanded Services

Strategic Insights -

Oregon airports, including La Grande, Klamath Falls, Hood River, Hermiston, John Day, and McMinnville, will receive federal funding for upkeep and expanded services. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced the investment of over $17 million in airports throughout Oregon, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law they supported in 2021. The funds will support critical airport improvements, such as taxiways, hangars, and runway construction, to enhance safety and efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $17.1 million investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation will support 6 Oregon airports, including La Grande/Union County, City of Hermiston, Port of Hood River, City of McMinnville, Grant County/Grant County Municipal, and Crater Lake/Klamath Regional.
  • La Grande/Union County Airport will receive $6.45 million for runway construction to enhance safety, while Hermiston Municipal Airport will receive $2.18 million to protect the approach to the runway and bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
  • The FAA grant total of $6.7 million will improve deficient shoulders, complete storm water grading, and adjust runway lighting for the primary runway at La Grande/Union County Airport.
  • The investment includes the construction of a 10-unit hangar for aircraft storage and maintenance at the Port of Hood River/Ken Jernstedt Airfield and navigational aids to provide pilots with critical airfield information at the City of McMinnville/McMinnville Municipal Airport.
  • The project at La Grande/Union County Airport will result in airport ownership of viable farmland, providing critical financial stability for the airport by creating permanent annual lease revenue.
  • The Hermiston Municipal Airport supports over 40,000 Oregonians as a base for aerial applicators, including multiple daily air freight flights, online purchases, and regular medical transport operations.

Statistics:

  • $17.1 million: total investment in Oregon airports from the U.S. Department of Transportation
  • 6 airports: La Grande/Union County, City of Hermiston, Port of Hood River, City of McMinnville, Grant County/Grant County Municipal, and Crater Lake/Klamath Regional
  • $6.45 million: funding for La Grande/Union County Airport runway construction
  • $6.7 million: FAA grant total to improve deficient shoulders, complete storm water grading, and adjust runway lighting at La Grande/Union County Airport
  • 10 units: hangar to be built at the Port of Hood River/Ken Jernstedt Airfield for aircraft storage and maintenance
  • 40,000 Oregonians: supported by the Hermiston Municipal Airport as a base for aerial applicators

Sources:

  • Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley
  • U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Union County Public Works and Airport Director Doug Wright
  • Hermiston City Manager Mark Morgan
  • Grant County Regional Airport Manager Haley Walker