BREAKING: 3 Eastern Oregon airports receive $8.7M in federal funding
Published 4:48 pm Thursday, August 28, 2025
EASTERN OREGON — Three airports in Eastern Oregon are getting a big boost in federal funding.
The Hermiston Municipal Airport, La Grande/Union County Airport and Grant County Regional Airport are set to receive nearly $8.7 million
U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley in a press release Thursday, Aug. 28, announced the money is from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the $1.2 trillion spending bill Congress passed in 2021 to upgrade public infrastructure and more. Airports throughout Oregon are receiving more than $17 million.
The Hermiston Municipal Airport will receive $2.18 million, the Grant County Regional Airport will get $58,500, and the La Grande/Union County Airport is receiving the largest allocation at $6.45 million.
La Grande/Union County Airport Director Doug Wright said the funding will cover complete stormwater upgrades and help improve deficient shoulders. Wright, who also is the county’s public works director, said new taxilanes will be constructed, allowing for the development of new hangars.
The improvements will help “foster economic development” in the future, Wright said in a statement.
Wyden and Merkley reported Hermiston’s share will pay to “protect the approach to the runway” and bring the airport up to current standards.
Hermiston Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan said the new funding will enable the city to own viable farmland, providing financial stability through the generation of permanent annual lease revenue. Morgan said the revenue from leasing the farmland also help reduce the cost of the airport to taxpayers.
And according to Wyden and Merkley, the funds will pay for a new fueling apron at the Grant County Regional Airport, which allow the airport to accommodate a wider variety of aircraft.
Grant County Regional Airport Manager Haley Walker said the new funding will help support the airport’s self-sustainability goals and ensure safe and reliable access.