April 9, 2024 10:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley 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.

Wyden said, “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 investments and I’ll keep battling for similar resources throughout our state”.

Merkley said, “Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities, supporting local business, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters”. Merkley said, “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 will be distributed as follows:

*$448,000 to Lake County to update an existing master plan for the airport

$358,000 for Scappose for construction on taxi lanes and more

*$315,000 for Bend Municipal for work on taxi lanes

*$200,000 for Albany Municipal for rehabilitation work on hangars

*$138,667 for Columbia Gorge Regional/The Dalles Municipal on construction of a fuel apron.