June 04, 2019

Oregon Delegation Announces Millions of Dollars for Improvements at Oregon Airports

Grants will help improve taxiways at airports in Portland, Klamath Falls, and Eugene

PORTLAND, OR – Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and U.S. Congressmen Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio and Greg Walden, today announced more than $16.2 million in grant funding for taxiway improvements at airports in Oregon.

“Oregon’s airports connect our state to economic opportunity—not to mention wildfire fighting resources, health care, and more,” Merkley said. “This significant investment in airport taxiways will improve both safety and access for Oregon's airports, and I will continue to use my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for these much-needed improvement grants for our airports.”

“Improving airport infrastructure throughout our state is essential both to Oregonians’ safety and to our state’s links to the global economy,” Wyden said. “These new resources are key for southern Oregon as well as the metro areas of Eugene and Portland, and I am glad the teamwork between the delegation and local airport officials has succeeded so well.”

“This investment from the Department of Transportation further cements Portland International Airport’s status as the top airport in the country,” Blumenauer said. “Continued financial support from the federal government for Oregon’s airports, roads, bridges, and transit systems is critical for the vitality, safety, livability of our state. I am pleased to announce this funding with my colleagues.”

“An investment of this size in Oregon’s airports will keep passengers and airport workers safe, while maintaining a critical economic engine in the state,” said DeFazio, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “It’s imperative that we keep our airports and taxiways in good working order to maintain access to air service, which will lead to increased economic development for the entire state.”

“This is excellent news for people in and around Klamath Falls. Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport helps connect the Klamath community, boosts our local economy and tourism, and supports the Oregon National Guard operating out of Kingsley Field,” Walden said. “These resources will help make needed improvements to the airport for the people of Klamath County. I applaud the Trump Administration for prioritizing and supporting our rural communities, and I look forward to seeing this grant utilized on the ground in Klamath Falls.”

The grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation will help Portland International Airport, Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport, and Mahlon Sweet Field Airport with taxiway improvement projects, including reconstruction, rehabilitation and lighting.

Portland International Airport received a nearly $6 million grant; Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport received a more than $5.7 million grant; and Mahlon Sweet Field Airport in Eugene received a more than $4.5 million grant.