April 15, 2020 9:50 a.m.
Congressman Peter DeFazio has announced that he has secured more than $25 million in grants for southwest Oregon airports in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
Funds for two airports in Douglas County are included.
A release said the funds are part of more than $140 million for Oregon airports and over $10 billion for airports nationwide that DeFazio secured as the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The release said the funds will specifically help airports respond to lost revenue and manage the costs of response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The federal government will cover 100 percent of these grants with no local match required.
DeFazio said that “air service to southwest Oregon’s airports has been significantly curtailed due to the COVID-19 public health crisis”. He said as committee chair, he has specifically pushed for increased funding for these airports, because of the critical access they provide for the entire region.
The Roseburg Regional Airport will receive $69,000 as part of this legislation. City of Roseburg Communications Specialist Eric Johnson said its staff is delighted with the news. He said staff is looking into options as to what project the funds can be used for.
The Myrtle Creek Municipal Airport is getting $20,000.
The Eugene Mahlon Sweet Field got the largest share of the funding, receiving close to $23 million dollars. Other airports getting assistance included those in Cottage Grove, Creswell, Grants Pass, and Florence among others.