Prineville Airport to receive over $4 million from FAA to rebuild runway and lighting, add taxiway connectors

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced Thursday the Rogue Valley International Airport and the Prineville Airport have secured more than $10.4 million combined in federal grants for improvements to taxiways, lighting, runways and more.

“These federal investments to modernize and improve airports in Medford and Prineville benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities in both communities for the health of their economies as well as safety in times of emergency,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these funds are heading to southern Oregon and central Oregon, and I’ll keep battling to provide similar funds for airports all across our state.”

“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 will allow the Medford and Prineville airports to expand their taxiways, ensuring safe travels for residents and visitors alike as they fly throughout the state.”

The combined $10.43 million in airport improvement grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

• $6.41 million for the Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford to extend a taxiway to reduce delays, to expand an existing general aviation apron to allow access to a broader fleet mix, and to build two new taxiways to reduce delays.
• $4.02 million for the Prineville Airport to build two taxiway connectors to provide access to aircraft hangars, to rebuild the existing lighting system to meet federal standards, to install new airfield signage and to rebuild a runway.

"Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is grateful for these federal funds that will allow us to complete our general aviation expansion and add additional taxiways, creating needed space  for economic expansion at MFR," said Airport Director Amber Judd.

“Crook County and the City of Prineville community is grateful for the FAA grant funds which will bring the 50-year-old infrastructure up to date and is essential for the safe and efficient operation of our fast growing airport,” said Kelly Coffelt, Airport Manager. “The funds will be used for reconstruction of the runway, including new runway lighting, signage and markings. We are thankful for the support from Senator Wyden, Senator Merkley, the FAA and for the ongoing support from the Oregon Department of Aviation.”