Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas, Dexter Announce $5.15 Million for Airports Across Oregon
Federal funds coming to airports in Aurora, Portland, Newport, Salem, John Day and Brookings.
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter today announced $5.15 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Aurora, Portland, Newport, Salem, John Day and Brookings.
“Airports big and small are critical to keeping communities across the state connected and prepared to respond to natural disasters that include wildfires, winter weather and more,” Wyden said. “These federal investments will help bolster local economies, improve service and enhance safety. I applaud these investments and will continue to fight for similar investments for Oregon airports in the future.”
“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy.? I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”?
“Reliable, modern airport infrastructure is essential for the safety and economic vitality of our coastal communities," said Rep. Hoyle. "These grants provide almost $750,000 in federal funding for the Newport and Brookings airports to input a new weather monitoring system, lighting upgrades, and essential safety equipment that will improve operations for pilots, emergency responders, and travelers alike. These investments are a win for public safety, regional connectivity, and the long-term resilience of Oregon’s South Coast.”
"As the Willamette Valley continues to grow and economic opportunities expand, we must ensure Oregon has alternative and safe transportation routes," said Rep. Salinas. "I’m proud to have helped secure this federal grant funding, which will improve the structural integrity of the tarmac so that the airport can continue safely serving our local community for years to come."
“Investments in airport infrastructure are investments in public safety, regional resilience, and economic vitality,” said Rep. Dexter. “Portland was recently named the top airport in the nation and this funding will only further help keep Oregonians safe and our communities connected.”
The $5.15 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:
- $3.3 million for Aurora State Airport to rehabilitate 5,003 feet of existing paved runway to maintain its structural integrity and extend its useful life.
- $696,721 to Portland International to rebuild 550 feet of existing east curtain wall in the main terminal entrance, including six revolving doors.
- $650,000 to the Newport Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system to provide site-specific weather information.
- $244,500 to McNary Field in Salem to rehabilitate 1,350 feet of existing paved taxiway to maintain its structural integrity and to extend its useful life.
- $162,640 to the Grant County Regional Airport in John Day to acquire 9.34 acres of land to protect a runway approach.
- $99,286 to Brookings Airport to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, rebuild a precision approach path indicator system and runway end identifier lights, and acquire and install a new wind cone navigational aid.
“We are thankful to be awarded an FAA grant to help fund a vital upgrade of the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at Newport Municipal Airport. Weather conditions on the Oregon coast can change within minutes, and it is essential that our airport is able to continue to provide accurate data and information that keeps pilots and passengers safe on their journey to and from Newport. We are also grateful for the continued support of our Oregon legislators in helping us to secure funding for critical infrastructure and safety projects and equipment to support the needs of our community and the over 2 million annual visitors to Newport,” said Nina Vetter, Newport City Manager.
Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas and Dexter have all consistently supported airport infrastructure across Oregon. In June, Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, announced $9.7 million for rural airports across Oregon, in addition to another $1 million for airports on Oregon Coast & Willamette Valley including Brookings and Aurora. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments across the state. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 million in federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Merkley, Wyden and Hoyle announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.
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