Federal Funds to Upgrade Prineville Airport's Main Runway

Crook County receives $300,000 for design and planning of $3.8 million runway reconstruction project.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:14pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a single metal runway marker cone placed on a clean, monochromatic background, its reflective surface capturing soft studio lighting to represent the abstract concepts of airport infrastructure and federal investment in regional aviation.A gleaming runway marker cone symbolizes the federal investment in upgrading Prineville Airport's vital transportation infrastructure.Prineville Today

Prineville Airport in Oregon will use $300,000 in federal funding to begin the design, environmental, and bidding process for a $3.8 million reconstruction of the airport's main 5,404-foot runway. The project, scheduled for 2027, will include a full asphalt overlay, new runway markings, and other improvements to ensure the runway's condition for the next 20 years.

Why it matters

The federal investment in Prineville Airport's infrastructure will support local businesses, emergency services, and safe travel in the region. Small and regional airports play a vital role in Oregon's transportation network, and this funding will help maintain the efficiency and reliability of the Prineville Airport.

The details

The $300,000 in federal funding will cover the initial design, environmental, and bidding work for the $3.8 million runway reconstruction project at Prineville Airport. The project will completely resurface the airport's 5,404-foot main runway, adding a new asphalt overlay, fresh runway markings, and other improvements to ensure the runway's condition for the next two decades.

  • The $300,000 in federal funding was recently announced.
  • The runway reconstruction project is scheduled for the fall of 2027.

The players

Prineville Airport

A regional airport serving the Prineville, Oregon area.

Kelly Coffelt

The manager of Prineville Airport.

Ron Wyden

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Oregon.

Jeff Merkley

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“'This project will be a full asphalt overlay of our main runway, 11-29. It will also feature new painted runway numbers, marking and stripping. The project will ensure ideal conditions for our main runway for the next 20 years.'”

— Kelly Coffelt, Airport Manager

“'Oregonians rely on federal investments like these to support small businesses, emergency responses, and safe travel in communities across our state. I'll keep battling for continued federal support for all airports in Oregon to keep our state's residents and products moving smoothly and securely from point A to point B.'”

— Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator

“'Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. Investing in critical airport improvements such as terminals, runways and more strengthens infrastructure across our state. I'll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds for improving the efficiency and reliability of Oregon's airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel and so much more.'”

— Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The $300,000 in federal funding will be used for the design, environmental, and bidding process for the $3.8 million runway reconstruction project, which is scheduled to begin construction in the fall of 2027.

The takeaway

This federal investment in Prineville Airport's infrastructure demonstrates the importance of small and regional airports in supporting local economies, emergency services, and safe travel across Oregon. The runway reconstruction project will help ensure the Prineville Airport can continue serving the community for years to come.