May 19, 2023

Merkley, Wyden, Blumenauer, and Bonamici Announce $6 Million Coming to Portland International Airport

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and U.S Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding the Portland International Airport $6 million under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to update their master plan. 

“PDX is a vital hub for Oregon's residents and businesses that rely on air travel, whether it’s for recreation, support for firefighting, or to transport goods,” said Senator Merkley. “This federal funding will help ensure this important hub is able to ensure safe, modern, and efficient travels for Oregonians and visitors alike as they fly in and out of the region.” 

“This federal investment in a bright future for PDX is good news for Portland and all Oregonians who count on the state’s largest airport to be secure and to operate smoothly for travel by families, businesses and visitors,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified that Portland International Airport has earned these resources, and I’ll continue battling to support airports in communities throughout our state.”

“PDX is an extraordinary asset for the state of Oregon,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “Updating the airport’s master plan will allow it to continue serving Oregon travelers, businesses, and emergency responders in the decades to come.”  

“PDX is a wonderful, welcoming, airport with iconic carpet and a stellar reputation. It provides a crucial connection between Oregon and the rest of world for commerce, recreation, emergency services, and more. This $6 million grant will help PDX update its master plan and maintain the high quality of its facility and services for years to come,” said Congresswoman Bonamici.

"Good planning is essential to building and operating a great airport. Today, some of the biggest visions from our Airport Futures 2010 Master Plan have come to life, with PDX Next and the new main terminal that's set to open next year. With this grant, we’ll look ahead another 20 years to make sure the PDX we all love can continues to thrive and deliver significant benefits for everyone in the region,” said the Port of Portland's Executive Director Curtis Robinhold.

The AIP grant program funds airport infrastructure projects like runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings in an effort to strengthen our nation's aviation infrastructure. This $6 million award will go toward studying and updating PDX’s master plan. 

 

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