February 07, 2024

Wyden, Merkley Announce $440,000 for Hermiston Municipal Airport

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced an investment of $440,000 for the City of Hermiston from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve the Hermiston Municipal Airport.

“It is absolutely essential to keep rural communities connected to services, especially in case of emergencies like natural disasters,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will help Hermiston Airport to expand, and provide vital resources to the folks in the region that need them.”

“Oregon’s regional airports are essential hubs for our communities that support businesses, connect travelers, and provide critical lifelines when natural disasters strike,” said Merkley. “These federal investments will further modernize Hermiston Airport’s infrastructure and ensure the region’s safety and economic success for years to come.” 

“These new hangars will provide a critically needed service for the aviation community at our rural airport while also improving the airport’s financial sustainability,” said Mark Morgan, Assistant City Manager.  “It’s expensive, as a local government, to maintain and operate a part of the national aviation network, and this one-time investment through the BIL will allow us to increase local revenue to maintain this operation for many years to come.”

This FAA grant will fund the construction of a new 15,000 square foot T-hangar for aircraft storage to help the airport be as self-sustaining as possible by generating revenue and increasing overall capacity.