Redmond, OR. — Federal officials have announced $3.8 million in funding for the expansion of Redmond Municipal Airport, marking the first step in a long-planned terminal project aimed at increasing passenger capacity in Central Oregon.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum, announced the award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The $3.8 million allocation will support early work on expanding the airport’s passenger terminal. According to city officials, the project is intended to increase accommodations for airline travelers and strengthen the region’s economic capacity.
Wyden said a visit to the airport last fall reinforced the need for infrastructure investment in Central Oregon, describing the funding as a boost for economic growth and expanded access to travel. Merkley called regional airports “vital hubs” that support businesses and serve as lifelines during emergencies, while Bynum characterized the expansion as an investment in rural communities and local economic competitiveness.
Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch said the city is “very grateful” for the federal support and credited Oregon’s congressional delegation for securing the funding. He stated that once complete, the expansion is expected to improve service levels and help attract new destinations.
City budget documents previously outlined a $180 million passenger terminal expansion project, with construction expected to begin later this year. The airport currently serves approximately 1.3 million passengers annually.
The newly announced federal funding represents an initial portion of the financing for the larger expansion effort. Members of Oregon’s congressional delegation noted that additional federal airport funding has been secured in recent years, including allocations for rural and coastal airports across the state.
Construction timelines and final completion dates for the Redmond terminal expansion are expected to be confirmed as project phases advance.
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