Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is getting millions in federal funds to expand one taxiway and build two new ones in an effort to decrease flight delays.

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, both Democrats, announced last Thursday that the Medford airport and the airport in Prineville have secured more than $10.4 million combined in federal grants for improvements to taxiways, lighting, runways and more.

The combined $10.43 million in airport improvement grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

• $6.41 million for the Medford airport to extend a taxiway to reduce delays, to expand an existing general aviation apron to allow access to a broader fleet mix, and to build two new taxiways to reduce delays.
• $4.02 million for the Prineville Airport to build two taxiway connectors to provide access to aircraft hangars, to rebuild

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• the existing lighting system to meet federal standards, to install new airfield signage and to rebuild a runway.

“Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is grateful for these federal funds that will allow us to complete our general aviation expansion and add additional taxiways, creating needed space for economic expansion at MFR,” said Medford airport Director Amber Judd.

“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.

“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,” Merkley said.

Energy efficiency grant

Wyden and Merkley announced last week that $143,430 in federal funds for the city of Medford had been allocated to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower overall energy use.

“The climate crisis demands action at every level in order to fight its dangerous effects such as wildfires, floods, severe storms and more,” Wyden said. “Local assistance for making an effective and efficient transition to a cleaner economy is essential to meet these goals.”

“The push for a sustainable future starts with empowering our local communities to lead the way,” Merkley said.

The federal investment is from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Medford will use this funding to establish a plan for baseline for energy use, identify how to reduce consumption and emissions, and develop an equity framework for prioritizing actions and investments while engaging and educating community members.

Mayor Randy Sparacino thanked the senators for their “unwavering support” and said the funding “will help us continue to implement sustainable strategies to improve energy efficiency in the community.”