Redmond Airport gets $5.2 million expansion grant

Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced Wednesday that the Redmond Municipal Airport will get a $5.2 million federal grant to boost airplane parking capacity and make other improvements.

The grant from the federal Department of Transportation for Roberts Field-Redmond Municipal Airport will support an expansion to accommodate two additional aircraft parking positions, as well as other improvements to airplane taxiways, the lawmakers said.

Airport Director Zachary Bass said the total project cost is about $8 million, including another $2.3 million in annual FAA entitlements and $500,000 in airport matching funds.

Bass said the expansion of the terminal’s aircraft parking apron (ramp) toward the west will make room to accommodate two more larger commercial parking positions, so RDM can park up to 11 planes overnight,. The project also will relocate one taxiway and a portion of another, he said.

The project is expected to begin next spring, Bass said, and won’t affect commercial or general aviation traffic while underway.

“Central Oregon residents and businesses deserve an airport prepared to meet their travel needs and to handle growth in commerce and visitors attracted to the region by recreation and other opportunities,” Wyden said in a news release announcing the grant.

“Steady investment in infrastructure is essential for economic growth, and these federal resources for the Redmond Airport will keep this vital link growing for rural Oregonians and tourists wanting to visit our state,” he added.

“High-quality, reliable airport service is critical to creating jobs and growing local economies,” said Merkley. “We need to make sure that Redmond and other smaller communities aren’t left behind in this global era. This grant will add capacity to the Redmond Airport, allowing more planes to provide more service to Central Oregon.”