The Brief• More than 25 Oregon airports will receive a combined $27 million in federal funding through the Airport Infrastructure Grant program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law• Hermiston Municipal Airport will get $150,000 to replace aging precision approach path indicator lights that help pilots land safely• The upgrades are critical for emergency medical flights and general aviation, especially during bad weather conditionsHERMISTON, Ore. — More than 25 airports across Oregon will receive a combined federal investment of more than $27 million to improve safety systems and infrastructure through the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, with local facilities like Hermiston Municipal Airport set to benefit from critical upgrades.The Hermiston Municipal Airport will receive $150,000 to replace its precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights, which help pilots align their aircraft for safer landings. The current system is aging and needs to be replaced to reduce the risk of dangerous approaches, especially during challenging weather conditions."If they're too high for a normal approach or too low for the normal approach. So having those lights as you're coming into the runway for a landing greatly increases the safety of landing at that runway at the appropriate place. Especially at night, especially in bad weather," said Rolf Leirvik, manager of Hermiston Municipal Airport.The upgrade is particularly important for emergency medical flights that frequently use the airport. LifeFlight operations, including both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, rely on the facility several times per week, often during adverse weather conditions, including rain and snow."We've had LifeFlight based here with their helicopter, but then we have their fixed wing or their regular airplanes probably come in an average of several, several times a week at least. Fixed-wing LifeFlight operations happen a lot in bad weather, rainy weather, even snowy conditions," Leirvik said.The federal funding comes through the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. Airports were selected based on their inclusion in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for crucial safety, infrastructure, and capacity upgrades.This latest funding adds to previous investments in Hermiston's airport infrastructure. In 2021, the city received $150,000 from the Oregon Department of Aviation to help fund a $2 million apron reconstruction project, with 90% of that project funded by the FAA, and the city responsible for a 10% match.The Hermiston Municipal Airport primarily serves recreational pilots, agricultural services, and corporate jet traffic, but has recently experienced growth in cargo operations, with 2-3 airfreight flights per day. The facility now handles package delivery, serving as many as 12 UPS trucks daily. The airport has also expanded its non-aviation commercial and industrial land use, adding an electrical contractor shop, bus barn, and a Head Start classroom since 2018.The largest single award from the current funding round goes to Mahlon Sweet Field in Eugene, which will receive $6.24 million for terminal improvements. Roberts Field in Redmond will get $3.45 million for terminal expansion, while Mulino State Airport will receive $3.18 million for pavement and hangar improvements.U.S. Senator Ron Wyden emphasized the importance of the investment for Oregon communities."Oregonians rely on federal investments like these to support small businesses, emergency responses, and safe travel in communities across our state," Wyden said in a statement.The funding will support a wide range of improvements across the state, including runway extensions, lighting upgrades, terminal expansions, and pavement rehabilitation. The grants target runway, taxiway, and safety improvements to enhance sustainability and efficiency at airports throughout Oregon.For smaller airports like Hermiston, even relatively modest upgrades can have significant safety impacts. The new PAPI lighting system will provide pilots with visual guidance to maintain the proper glide path during approach, reducing the risk of accidents during landing.Construction on Hermiston's new lighting system is expected to begin soon with minimal disruption to airport operations. Airport officials say the next planned project involves runway repairs.The federal investment reflects the critical role that regional airports play in Oregon's transportation network, supporting everything from emergency medical services to business travel and cargo operations. Many of these facilities serve as vital lifelines for rural communities, providing connections to larger metropolitan areas and supporting local economic development.Other significant awards include $2.67 million for Grants Pass Airport for guidance signs and runway extensions, $2 million for Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford for apron pavement work, $800,254 for Joseph State Airport for weather systems and pavement work, and nearly $950,000 for Brookings Airport to rebuild runway lighting and navigation systems.The funding announcement was made in April 2026 by Oregon's congressional delegation, including Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as Representatives Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Janelle Bynum, and Maxine Dexter, who emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and reliable aviation infrastructure to bolster regional connectivity throughout the state. 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