Prineville Airport awarded federal funds to rebuild runway and more

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley recently announced that two airports, including the Prineville Airport, have secured more than $10.4 million combined in federal grants.

The grants, one of which also went to the Rogue Valley International Airport, will fund improvements to taxiways, lighting, runways and more. Prineville Airport was awarded $4.02 million.

“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.”

Merkley added that 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.

“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,” he continued.

The funds for Prineville Airport will be used to build two taxiway connectors to provide access to aircraft hangars, rebuild the existing lighting system to meet federal standards and to install new airfield signage and rebuild the airport’s secondary, crosswind runway.

According to Prineville Airport Manager Kelly Coffelt, the runway will be moved 300 feet to the north, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement that will create more separation between the runway and Highway 126. The move will include a complete reconstruction of the runway.

“The reason for the reconstruction is that secondary runway was last paved in the early 1970s, and the lighting system is about the same – very old and inoperable at this point,” Coffelt said.

Once completed, the runway will be wider, 60 feet instead of 40 feet, and will feature new lighting and markings.

Phase one of the runway upgrade, design and engineering, is complete and phase two, construction, is slated to begin this fall. Work will pause during the winter, then resume and conclude in the spring.

“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,” Coffelt said. “We are thankful for the support from Sen. Wyden, Sen. Merkley, the FAA and for the ongoing support from the Oregon Department of Aviation.”