Oregon Airports to Receive More Than $3 Million in Federal Investment

Oregon Airports to Receive More Than $3 Million in Federal Investment

Airports receiving federal funds include those in McMinnville, Burns, Florence, Troutdale, Ontario, Corvallis, Lexington, Newport, Tillamook and Gold Beach

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced that 10 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $3.1 million to improve their infrastructure.

"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," said Merkley. "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."

"Regional airports are critical to keeping Oregon connected," said Rep. Bonamici. "In rural communities like Tillamook, investments in transportation infrastructure give small businesses access to markets and make communities more resilient in the event of a disaster. I'm grateful that this funding will support work at the Port of Tillamook Bay."

"Small airports are vital for rural Oregonians," said Rep. Salinas. "They support local businesses and enable emergency responses when our communities need them most. This $1 million investment in McMinnville Municipal Airport will replace aging infrastructure and improve safety for everyone who uses it. I'm proud to help deliver these federal dollars to the airports that keep Oregon connected, and I'll keep pushing to make sure rural communities keep getting the federal investment they deserve."

"These infrastructure investments across our regional airports in Corvallis, Florence, Gold Beach and Newport are a win for the economic growth of our rural and coastal communities," said Rep. Hoyle. "We rely on these federal dollars to build up our airports' resilience in the face of worsening wildfire seasons."

"Making it easier to get where you need to go keeps our economy strong and makes everyday life more convenient," said Rep. Bynum. "Regional airports connect our communities, small businesses, and ensure Oregonians don't have to drive hours just to access reliable transportation. I am proud to work with my colleagues to secure this critical funding for Oregon."

"Investments in small airports are invaluable and will pay dividends for Oregonians in the years to come," said Rep. Dexter. "This funding will support critical improvements to the Troutdale Airport, a key hub for the Port of Portland and our regional economy. I will keep working to bring federal dollars into high-value projects in our community."

The awards totaling $3.14 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:

• $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

"The City of McMinnville greatly appreciates the continued federal financial support of safety and security improvements at the McMinnville Municipal Airport," said airport manager John Paskell. "This important project provides for a significant security upgrade by adding nearly three miles of perimeter security fencing and adds an additional level of safety for pilots by installing a supplement wind cone on the Runway 4 end of the airport's primary runway. As a developing regional general aviation airport, and as a significant economic asset and job creator in the community, continued federal infrastructure investment in airports is critical in ensuring their viability well into the future, particularly for airports in smaller communities like McMinnville. Those airport improvement dollars go a long way and help protect and preserve the airport's financial self-sufficiency while also improving the facility."

"This federal investment is crucial as it ensures our airport infrastructure remains fully functional year-round, which is vital for emergency response and general aviation access in Eastern Oregon," said Burns City Manager Brenda Engebretson.

"The City of Florence is excited to receive this FAA funding to support the Beacon & Wind Cone Replacement Project at the Florence Municipal Airport," the city said in a statement. "This project will help to improve essential airport safety infrastructure, as well as support safe and reliable aviation facilities that serve local and regional users. The Florence Municipal Airport is an economic driver for our area that provides a valuable space for commerce, emergency response, and recreational uses. The City of Florence is grateful for the continued support of this regional asset. "

"Ensuring safe and efficient operations is the Port's top priority, and this federal investment will help to maintain taxiways at Troutdale Airport," said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. "We are grateful for the Oregon delegation's continued support for our projects to meet the diverse transportation needs of our region."

"The recent FAA award for the Lexington Airport to upgrade our precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), is a major win for a small regional airport like ours," said Morrow County Commissioner Gus Peterson. "This system will allow us to continue to serve our users with improved safety and efficiency as well as allow us to be able to potentially expand in the future. Morrow County is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve our small but important regional airport."

"Securing funding for a new hangar is significant investment in the future of Newport Municipal Airport," said Lance Vanderbeck, Newport Municipal Airport Director. "This project will enhance our ability to serve pilots, aircrafts, and improve overall efficiency and safety. Through this funding, we're better positioned to meet demand and ensure the airport remains a reliable asset for our community."

"As Mayor of Gold Beach, I know the port is critical for emergency services and is an economic development engine," said Gold Beach Mayor Tamie Kaufman. "This work helps make sure the port can continue being an asset to our community."