April 09, 2024

Wyden, Merkley: Five Oregon Airports Secure Total Federal Aid of $1.45 Million

Lake County, Scappoose, Bend Municipal, Albany Municipal and Columbia Gorge Regional/The Dalles Municipal airports earn federal grants

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that airports in Lake, Columbia, Deschutes, Linn and Wasco counties have secured a total of more than $1.4 million in federal grants for construction, infrastructure rehabilitation and more.

“Oregonians count on local airports in their communities for jobs, economic vitality, public safety and much more that strengthen quality of life,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these Oregon communities have earned these federal airport investments, and I’ll keep battling for similar resources throughout our state.”

"Oregon's regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities, supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters," said Merkley. "These federal investments will modernize infrastructure at airports across Oregon – in urban, suburban, and rural communities – ensuring safety and fostering economic success in our state."

The grants from the federal Department of Transportation will be distributed as follows to these Oregon airports: 

  • Lake County, $448,000 to update an existing master plan for the airport.
  • Scappoose, $358,234 for construction on taxi lanes and more.
  • Bend Municipal $315,000 for work on taxi lanes.
  • Albany Municipal, $200,000 for rehabilitation work on hangars.
  • Columbia Gorge Regional/The Dalles Municipal $138,667 on construction of a fuel apron.

“This federal funding for The Columbia Gorge Regional Airport is critical to spur economic growth and allow for enhancements to infrastructure that expand our wildfire response and disaster recovery capacity,” said Jeff Renard, airport manager for the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport. “We would like to thank Senators Wyden and Merkley, and our partners at the FAA for their tireless efforts to make this project successful. This investment will enable vital facility improvements to expand general aviation fuel capacity, overcoming a known deficiency at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport.”

“The Lake County Airport has many new opportunities to explore and develop,” said Lake County Commissioner Barry Shullanberger. “This funding for an updated master plan will help the airport take the next steps to plan for future services.  We are very excited to be moving forward and appreciate the funding!”