May 12, 2021 3:30 a.m.

Congressman Peter DeFazio has announced that a $5.5 million grant from the Department of Transportation has been awarded to the Eugene Airport for repairs to the runway and taxiway lighting system.

DeFazio said, “As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have consistently pushed for increased funding for small and mid-sized airports because of the critical access they provide for the entire region”. DeFazio said as summer travel season approaches and air travel increases, the grant will pay for critical repairs, keeping operations moving, and maintaining a critical economic hub for southwestern Oregon.

A release said that last year, DeFazio secured more than $25 million for southwest Oregon’s airports as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.