January Newsletter

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News & Important Information

New Airport Check-In Signs We want to hear from you! During your next visit to a state airport, please keep an eye out for our new check-in signs. We have added the ability for pilots to “check-in” via text. Please tell us about your visit, share photos of your experience, let us know if there’s a condition or safety issue we need to be aware of, and help us understand how our state airports are being utilized. For some of our more remote airports with limited cell service, you can take a photo of the sign or write down the number and text us later!

Central Oregon Aviation Spotlight in Cascade Business News

Cascade Business News highlights the continued growth of Central Oregon’s aviation industry, including major investments at both Bend Municipal Airport and Redmond Municipal Airport. The article covers the nearly complete, state-of-the-art control tower at Bend Municipal and the planned terminal expansion at Redmond, along with rising passenger demand and strong performance from key aviation employers — underscoring aviation’s expanding role in the region’s economy and connectivity.

Lockheed Constellation at Aurora State Airport (KUAO)

Photographer @du6kvr on Instagram captured the Lockheed Constellation hanging out at the Aurora State Airport after it's flight from Montrose Regional Airport (KMJT).

Click the photo to enlarge!

Photographer: du6kvr 

Website: https://linktr.ee/Du6kvr 

Winter Season

The Crescent Lake, McKenzie Bridge, Santiam Junction, and Toketee State Airports are closed seasonally from November 1st through May 1st. Other state airports may be closed temporarily via NOTAMs due to winter conditions. Because we do not report surface conditions at all 28 state airports, many state airports may remain open with unknown surface conditions or contaminants.

State Airport Tenant Information on Tax and Stormwater

For tenants at state airports, the annual tax and stormwater reimbursement invoices are being sent out this month. As a general reminder, please make sure your insurance is up to date, and that ODAV has a copy of a current certificate of insurance.

Based Aircraft Update

Thank you for everyone who provided based aircraft information at state airports. This information was very helpful in insuring our airports that receive federal funding are funded appropriately.

Aurora State Airport - User and Visitor Safety Training

ODAV has developed Safety Training intended to help users and visitors of the Aurora State Airport (UAO) to better understand the airport layout, hazards in airport environments, and how they can maintain safety for themselves and others.

If you use the Aurora State Airport, please read through the training for helpful safety information and tips & tricks for maneuvering on airfields.

Most importantly, please recognize how to stay out of the controlled Movement Area and Protected Area of the runway to prevent Vehicle / Pedestrian Deviations and Runway Incursions.

Construction

We’re gearing up for several important aviation projects and initiatives throughout the year which includes:

• Rulemaking for violations and civil penalties for Vehicle / Pedestrian Deviations at the Aurora State Airport
• Rulemaking for Through-The-Fence at state airports
• Public involvement process for developing a state airport volunteer program
• Construction projects at several state owned airports

As we look ahead to next year, the ODAV is already hard at work preparing a full slate of construction and improvement projects across the state. Major efforts include the Oakridge Runway Reconstruction project, the Mulino waterline and hangar project, and surface seal projects at Joseph, Condon, Chiloquin, Lebanon, and Mulino. We’re also continuing our multi-year work on easement acquisition to support future obstruction removal projects at Aurora, Chiloquin, Joseph, and Mulino. These projects take years of planning and coordination before anything happens on the ground, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we keep things moving forward.

To receive the latest information, please sign up for airport specific outreach using the link below:

COAR Grant Program

2026 Aviation Review Committee

The Aviation Review Committee (ARC) met on January 15, 2026 to break ties, rank, and prioritize the 2026 COAR grant applications and create a list of recommended applications for the State Aviation Board to review and approve. The list of recommended applications can be found on our website under Cycle 10: 2025 -2026 along with the recording of the ARC meeting. The State Aviation Board will announce the approved 2026 COAR grants at the February 5, 2026 board meeting. Public comment regarding the COAR applications may be submitted to Grants@ODAV.Oregon.gov until February 4th at 5 PM.

COAR Project Highlight

Prineville Airport (Crook County) 2024 Priority 1 – FAA match In 2024 Prineville Airport received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funds for Runway (RW) 15-33 Rehabilitation which included RW 33 threshold relocation, widening of the runway from forty feet to sixty feet, and full length rehabilitation of the existing pavement. The project also included associated electrical and drainage improvements and new lights and signage. This project was completed in the fall of 2025, and brings the runway pavement condition to meet or exceed the FAA standards as well as increases operational safety of the airport. Questions about the COAR grant program may be sent to Grants@ODAV.Oregon.gov.

Maintenance

Obstruction removal work continues. Last month staff was removing obstructions in Cascade Locks and Pinehurst state airports, this month we’re working at the Oakridge State Airport. Not only are we removing physical obstructions in navigable-use airspace at these airports, it will also help improve visibility around the runway and to the windsocks, improving their function as well. When we aren't doing obstruction removals we are servicing our equipment so we can keep up with the busy mowing and maintaining season in the spring and summer. If you see staff at one of our airports, give them a friendly wave!

Next Board Meeting

The next State Aviation Board meeting will be taking place on Thursday, February 5th, 2026 at ODOT T-Building RM 240 Stuart Foster Conference Room, 355 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.