Eugene Airport to Receive 'Much Needed' $5.5 Million Grant for Runway, Lighting, Taxiway Improvements

By Megan Banta

Source The Register-Guard, Eugene, Ore. (TNS)

May 17, 2021
2 min read
Dana Sparks/The Register-Guard
Before arriving at its gate, the first Avelo Airlines plane to Eugene Airport was welcomed by water cannons on the tarmac then pizza and gifts for the passengers inside the gate. Avelo Airlines commenced service Wednesday, May 12, 2021, offering affordable, direct flights between Los Angeles and Eugene four days a week.
Before arriving at its gate, the first Avelo Airlines plane to Eugene Airport was welcomed by water cannons on the tarmac then pizza and gifts for the passengers inside the gate. Avelo Airlines commenced service Wednesday, May 12, 2021, offering affordable, direct flights between Los Angeles and Eugene four days a week.

Eugene will be getting a $5.5 million federal grant to help rebuild the runway and make lighting and taxiway improvements at Mahlon Sweet Field, Oregon's two senators announced Friday.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to a news release from U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats.

The airport reconstructed the taxiway for the main runway using CARES Act dollars last summer.

In both cases, the federal support is critical, said Cathryn Stephens, the airport's acting director. She told city and county officials last year that the airport would have to delay some planned projects after the coronavirus pandemic caused serious hits to revenue.

"We are grateful for the continued support from our congressional delegation, which will play a key role in emerging from the pandemic even stronger than before," Stephens said in a statement.

Merkley understands the importance of the grant to the airport, especially as the economy is recovering amid the pandemic.

"One of the most important things we can do to rebuild and recover in the wake of the coronavirus crisis is to invest in the infrastructure we need to keep Oregonians connected with their families and loved ones, and our businesses with their customers,” he said in a statement.

Merkley added he's pleased to see the funding going to Mahlon Sweet Field to help achieve that goal and pledged to "do all that I can to secure the investments our communities and economy need to create strong foundations for the future."

Wyden also is happy to help provide the support because Eugene and similar airports need to invest in infrastructure to be "linchpins to build both a stronger economy and even better quality of life."

"Eugene’s airport plays a huge role for Oregonians needing convenient travel options, and for local businesses as well as the UO and OSU welcoming visitors from around the globe" he said.

Local officials also are thrilled to see the airport get federal funding.

The dollars are "much needed," Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis said, and the state's two senators are "sending a clear message that they value the contribution the Eugene Airport provides to our region’s economic recovery."

Read more about the Eugene Airport and other local airports:

Eugene Airport welcomes new airline Avelo with nonstop service to Hollywood Burbank Airport Airports in Florence, Creswell and Cottage Grove receive federal grants for improvements

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene airport to receive 'much needed' $5.5 million grant for runway, lighting, taxiway improvements

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