Bend Municipal Airport receives $2.14 million federal grant for taxi lanes rehabilitation
Barney Lerten
(Update: More comments from Bend Airport Manager Tracy Williams)
WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Oregon lawmakers announced Wednesday that seven Oregon airports, including the Bend Municipal Airport, have secured about $22.7 million combined in federal grants for infrastructure improvements to taxiways, drainage, snow removal equipment and more.
“These federal investments to modernize and improve airports large and small throughout our state benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities for their communities’ economic health and for everybody’s safety during wildfires and other emergencies,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I’m gratified these resources are heading to Oregon, and I’ll keep battling to provide similar funds for airports all across our state.”
“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities, including supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Senator Jeff Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow several Oregon regional airports to tackle important projects like expanding taxiways, construction projects, and new equipment. I’ll continue to fight to ensure Oregon has the resources for safe and efficient travels for the folks who rely on Oregon’s airports.”
“I’m pleased to see that airports in NW Oregon and across the state are receiving federal investments to improve the reliability of our transportation system,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Because of these modernization projects, Oregonians and anyone traveling to our beautiful state for business or pleasure will be safer. I will continue to advocate for other important transportation and infrastructure projects that will help Oregonians and the Oregon economy thrive.”
“Airports are vital infrastructure for our communities—supporting local economies, emergency response, and everyday travel for Oregonians,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “I’m proud to see federal investments coming to Eugene and Corvallis to improve safety, modernize facilities, and prepare these airports for future growth. These upgrades will make a real difference for our region, and I’ll keep fighting for resources that strengthen our transportation and infrastructure.”
“I’m glad to see these federal investments coming to airports across Oregon,” said Rep. Salinas. “Modernizing and improving Oregon’s airport infrastructure is critical to the safety and economic growth of communities both large and small. I’ll keep fighting to deliver the resources that Oregonians need and deserve.”
“It’s important to me that as people come in and out of our beautiful state that we give them the best possible experience,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding provides the resources to do just that, improving safety and reliability and helping Oregon airports modernize and grow. I was ecstatic to see this announcement, and I’ll always fight for projects that improve Oregonians’ quality of life.”
“Investing in our airports means investing in the safety, connectivity, and economic strength of our communities,” said Rep. Dexter. “I’m thrilled that more than $15 million is headed to PDX. This funding—fueled by the Biden Administration’s historic infrastructure investments—is a clear example of what it looks like when the federal government shows up for local communities.”
The $22.7 million in airport improvement grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:
$15.22 million to the Port of Portland for Portland International Airport to rebuild 2,700 feet of the existing paved taxiway A pavement that’s reached the end of its useful life.
$3.14 million to the Port of Portland for Hillsboro Airport to build a new 1,300-foot taxiway K to reduce delays and accommodate more aircraft operations.
$2.14 million to Bend Municipal Airport to rehabilitate 12,000 feet of the existing southwest, northwest, and west taxi lanes pavement to extend their useful lives.
$1.66 million for Eugene’s Mahlon Sweet Airport to build new airfield drainage for wetland mitigation to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
$261,938 for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,100-foot taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
$215,000 for Burns Municipal Airport to acquire snow removal equipment.
$76,000 to Joseph State Airport to reseal 5,210 feet of existing Runway 15/33 pavement and joints to extend its useful life. This project reseals 6,990 feet of the existing Taxiway A pavement and joints to extend its useful life.
“Reconstructing and adding taxiways at PDX and Hillsboro Airport is vital to maintaining the transportation system that our region relies on,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We appreciate the continued support of Senators Wyden and Merkley on projects that help to ensure safe and efficient operations at our airports.”
“Funding for this important airport capital improvement project will support asphalt patching, crack sealing and repair, surface sealing, and new painted striping on paved surfaces at the Bend Municipal Airport,” said Airport Manager Tracy Williams.
Williams told KTVZ News on Wednesday that the funds were anticipated.
“Each July, I travel to Washington D.C., meet with the Representatives on the Hill, thank them for their support, provide an update on projects they supported, and make any ask if necessary. Merkley, Wyden, and Chavez-DeRemer have always been strong advocates. I put in a call, but have not met Bynum yet. She’s on my radar!
“The grant will cover 95% of the total project,” Williams said. “Some of the work will begin late summer 2025.”
Williams also told us that the airport’s new control tower “is coming along nicely (slight delays outside our control) and should be substantially complete by the end of this year.”
“On behalf of the City of Burns and the Burns Municipal Airport, we sincerely appreciate the recent grant awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration for the acquisition of essential snow removal equipment,” said City Manager Judy Erwin. “This funding will significantly enhance our operational capabilities during the winter season, ensuring safer and more reliable service for all airport users. The support from the FAA continues to be instrumental in maintaining and improving the safety and efficiency of our airport infrastructure. This equipment will allow us to better serve general aviation, emergency services, and regional operations, especially during severe weather conditions.