Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
Investments from Federal Aviation Administration to be used in Gold Beach for weather reporting equipment, in McMinnville for airport master plan
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the McMinnville Municipal Airport has secured a $450,000 federal grant and the Gold Beach Municipal Airport has earned a $396,459 federal grant.
“These federal investments support quality airports for Oregonians living and working in both communities, and counting on these facilities for the health of their economies as well as safety in times of emergency,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these funds are heading to small airports in our state, and I’ll continue working to provide similar resources for airports across Oregon.”
“Oregonians depend on safe and reliable airport infrastructure to connect communities and economies across the state,” said Senator Merkley. “These federal investments will ensure these small, regional airports have the tools they need to further support the economic prosperity and safety of Oregon communities for years to come.”
The $450,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration’s airport improvement program for McMinnville will be used for an airport master plan. The $396,459 from that same FAA program for will be used for weather reporting equipment at Gold Beach’s airport.
“The Port of Gold Beach is grateful to receive this grant and we appreciate the work of our federal delegation to keep these funds available,” said Andy Wright, port consultant, Port of Gold Beach. “It will be used to replace our Automated Weather Observation System which is a critical piece of airport infrastructure. Our air ambulance company, businesses, and private pilots rely on this system for reporting accurate conditions on the ground. Having newer updated equipment will help ensure the safety of all airport traffic.”
“The McMinnville Municipal Airport is excited and grateful to receive this federal grant which will allow us to implement our airport master plan which will dovetail with other city planning efforts to properly integrate the airport into the community,” said McMinnville Airport Administrator Willy Williamson. “This will improve commerce and increase the economic impact in the region. Additionally, the airport master plan provides a long term outlook for airport improvements and allows the opportunity for future FAA airport improvement grants.”