Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas, Dexter Announce $5.15 Million for Airports Across Oregon

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter today announced $5.15 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Aurora, Portland,  Newport, Salem, John Day and Brookings.
“Airports big and small are critical to keeping communities across the state connected and prepared to respond to natural disasters that include wildfires, winter weather and more,”Wyden said.“These federal investments will help bolster local economies, improve service and enhance safety. I applaud these investments and will continue to fight for similar investments for Oregon airports in the future.”
“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,”Merkley said.“This federal funding will allow Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy.?I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”?
“Reliable, modern airport infrastructure is essential for the safety and economic vitality of our coastal communities,"said Rep. Hoyle."These grants provide almost $750,000 in federal funding for the Newport and Brookings airports to input a new weather monitoring system, lighting upgrades, and essential safety equipment that will improve operations for pilots, emergency responders, and travelers alike. These investments are a win for public safety, regional connectivity, and the long-term resilience of Oregon’s South Coast.”
"As the Willamette Valley continues to grow and economic opportunities expand, we must ensure Oregon has alternative and safe transportation routes,"said Rep. Salinas."I’m proud to have helped secure this federal grant funding, which will improve the structural integrity of the tarmac so that the airport can continue safely serving our local community for years to come."
“Investments in airport infrastructure are investments in public safety, regional resilience, and economic vitality,”said Rep. Dexter.“Portland was recently named the top airport in the nation and this funding will only further help keep Oregonians safe and our communities connected.”
The $5.15 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:
“We are thankful to be awarded an FAA grant to help fund a vital upgrade of the automated weather observing system (AWOS) at Newport Municipal Airport. Weather conditions on the Oregon coast can change within minutes, and it is essential that our airport is able to continue to provide accurate data and information that keeps pilots and passengers safe on their journey to and from Newport. We are also grateful for the continued support of our Oregon legislators in helping us to secure funding for critical infrastructure and safety projects and equipment to support the needs of our community and the over 2 million annual visitors to Newport,”said Nina Vetter, Newport City Manager.
Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas and Dexter have all consistently supported airport infrastructure across Oregon. In June, Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, announced$9.7 millionfor rural airports across Oregon, in addition to another$1 millionfor airports on Oregon Coast & Willamette Valley including Brookings and Aurora. In May, the Oregon delegation announced$22 millionfor airport infrastructure investments across the state. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced$10 millionin federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Merkley, Wyden and Hoyle announced$17 millionfrom the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.