Senators announce nearly $450K in FAA funding for new 10-unit hangar at Prineville Airport

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Wednesday that the Prineville Airport and Pendleton’s Eastern Oregon Regional Airport received a combined $1,329,000 in federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration for infrastructure and safety improvements. 

“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “This federal funding ensures that our airport infrastructure and equipment are up to date and safe. I’ll keep pushing for infrastructure investments like these to further support the economic prosperity of the Prineville and Pendleton communities for years to come.” 

“The Pendleton and Prineville airports play essential roles for rural Oregonians counting on them for their safe and efficient travel from Point A to Point B as well as the reliable transport of business goods and emergency resources,” Wyden said. “Infrastructure like these airports requires strong investments just like these. I’m glad these federal funds are heading to Pendleton and Prineville, and committed to securing similar federal investments for regional airports across Oregon.” 

  Funding and project descriptions can be found below: 

·         $881,000 for Pendleton’s Eastern Oregon Regional Airport for a snowplow and snow removal broom to protect travelers during adverse weather conditions.  

·         $448,000 for Prineville Airport to construct a new sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage and expand an existing taxi lane.  

 “Crook County and the City of Prineville community are grateful for the FAA grant funds which will support the construction of a 10-unit aircraft storage facility that is in high demand. This type of project is essential for the safe and efficient operation of our fast-growing airport. We are thankful for the support from Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden, the FAA and for the ongoing assistance from the Oregon Department of Aviation to make this happen,” said Kelly Coffelt, Prineville Airport Manager. 

“The Eastern Oregon Regional Airport at Pendleton has been struggling with undersized snowplows for almost three decades.  These FAA AIP grant funds will allow the Airport to acquire critically important state-of-the-art snow removal equipment.  In addition to alleviating a long-standing problem that posed a public safety risk, these new tools will accelerate snow removal, lessen weather delays and cancellations, decrease staff overtime, and increase staff productivity, which all represent benefits to the flying public.  The City of Pendleton is immensely appreciative of the enduring support we receive from Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley,” said Steve Chrisman, City of Pendleton Economic Development & Airport Director.