Ron Wyden

Merkley, Bonamici, Oregon Delegation: FEMA Must Approve Waivers for Two Critical Disaster Mitigation Projects in Oregon | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Position: Oregon's congressional delegation urges FEMA to approve waivers and fully fund two disaster mitigation projects in Oregon that were selected under the BRIC program, and to promptly award funding for 19 additional projects delayed by the program's suspension.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led a letter with their Democratic colleagues in the Oregon congressional delegation—Senator Ron Wyden, Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve waivers for and to fully fund two projects in Oregon that were funded under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. “Amidst the suspension of the BRIC program, these projects were forced to proceed to construction because recipients could not afford further delays without severely increasing project costs or jeopardizing the overall success of the project. The delay in funding has created substantial stress on these rural communities,” wrote the Oregon delegation to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The BRIC program—which the Trump Administration attempted to end last year—provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities. The two projects in Oregon were forced to break ground pre-award and now require a waiver to access their funding. More details about these projects can be found below: The lawmakers directed, “Communities across Oregon have relied on BRIC funding to ensure their resiliency in the face of future natural disasters. These, mostly rural, communities that FEMA selected for BRIC funding in prior years all have significant need for the assistance. We urge you to ensure the swift completion of applicable waivers, reviews, and release of funds, in accordance with previous commitments.” The lawmakers also urged FEMA to promptly award funding for 19 additional projects in Oregon that were selected for funding in Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023. Previously, Merkley, Wyden, and Bonamici led the charge to save the BRIC Program. They joined over 80 of their Senate and House colleagues in a bipartisan effort to demand that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reinstate BRIC program funding. Merkley also led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation to denounce the cancellation of awards under the BRIC program to communities across the state. Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

Wyden, Merkley Lead Effort to Extend Legislation Improving Healthcare Access and Financial Stability in Remote Areas | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Position: Senators Wyden and Merkley support extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program for five years to maintain financial stability for rural hospitals and preserve healthcare access in remote communities.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have introduced legislation that would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for five years. The program improves financial stability for rural hospitals by paying the reasonable costs of Medicare inpatient services - including meals, rooms, and nurse care - to prevent hospital closures and maintain critical healthcare access. “Rural communities in Oregon and throughout America need and deserve access to quality health care,” said Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. “This proven program has bipartisan support because it works to help provide that care for rural families and to support rural economies.” “Rural communities face unique hurdles in providing and accessing basic health care, which is why we must fight to preserve the programs that support care for these families,” Merkley said. “As rural hospitals in Oregon and across the nation face even more challenges, our bipartisan effort will protect funding for rural hospitals nationwide, ensuring Oregonians in all corners of our state can access the care they need and deserve.” In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the bipartisan legislation is led by U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and co-sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), as well as Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Concerned About Eugene’s PeaceHealth Transitioning Emergency Medical Providers | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Position: The lawmakers express concern about PeaceHealth's decision to transition emergency department physician staffing from local Eugene Emergency Physicians to a Georgia-based staffing firm, citing potential risks to patient care, workforce retention, and trauma center operations. They urge PeaceHealth to work transparently with physicians, staff, and the community on staffing decisions.

Eugene, OR – Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), expressed concerns about PeaceHealth’s decision to end its contract with local Eugene Emergency Physicians in favor of Lane Emergency Physicians, which is owned by an Illinois physician and managed by Georgia-based ApolloMD. “We are troubled after hearing of PeaceHealth's proposed changes to emergency department (ED) physician staffing across three Oregon hospitals,” wrote Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle. “These emergency departments are critical to the region, and we are deeply concerned that this approach may negatively impact patient care, workforce retention, and PeaceHealth's ability to maintain the efficiency necessary as the region's primary Level II trauma center.” The change affects three medical centers across Lane County, including PeaceHealth’s Riverbend in Springfield – a Level II trauma center – Cottage Grove Medical Center, and Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence. PeaceHealth Riverbend is the only Level II trauma center – which provides specialized care for severely injured patients – between Corvallis and the California border. The lawmakers pointed out, “Rapid corporate staffing changes, particularly those driven by cost-cutting measures, private equity involvement, and third-party staffing firms, have been associated with increased ED wait times and reduced operational efficiency. Community members, physicians, and hospital staff have shared significant concerns that this decision could lead to inadequate staffing, which would result in serious disruption and deterioration of ED services at these critical PeaceHealth locations.” “We urge PeaceHealth to work in partnership and transparently with physicians, staff, and the community to develop an emergency department staffing plan that ensures continuity of care and maintains the integrity and reliability of emergency services across Lane County,” Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle concluded. Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Dogs Under the Care of Breeders | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined colleagues in introducing legislation that would strengthen protections for dogs under the care of breeders by ensuring they live in a safe environment, have access to outdoor spaces, and can regularly interact with other dogs and humans. “As the saying goes, ‘dogs are man's best friend.’ Yet, too many are living in small spaces without enough food or water before they find their forever home,” Wyden said. “Puppies deserve to be born into a world where they can romp around on grass, play with their furry friends, and curl up in a comfortable, safe environment. This bill raises the standards of care for dogs so they can live a happy and healthy life from the get-go.” “Our canine companions deserve to be treated with basic dignity and care at all stages of their lives. We must hold irresponsible breeders accountable and make sure puppies are raised with the care, safety, and humane treatment they deserve,” said Merkley. The Puppy Protection Act would create stronger standards for dogs in relation to their veterinary care, housing, and breeders through the following solutions: In addition to Wyden and Merkley, other co-sponsors of the bill led by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) are U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

Wyden Champions Bill Defending the U.S. Kombucha Industry | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Position: Senator Wyden supports legislation to exempt kombucha from federal excise taxes designed for higher-alcohol beverages, arguing that kombucha's minimal alcohol content does not justify taxation at rates intended for traditional alcoholic drinks.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), said today that he, along with Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), have introduced a bill that would exempt kombucha from taxes intended for beverages with much higher alcohol content. “A serving of kombucha contains about as much alcohol as an overripe banana, so there’s no reason to tax it like it’s a full-on alcoholic beverage,” Wyden said. “It’s past time to sober up our tax code and give kombucha producers a fair shake, and that’s what our bill is all about.” “Kombucha isn’t comparable to traditional alcoholic beverages like beer, and taxing it as if it were doesn’t make sense,” Salinas said. “We need to modernize the tax code so this industry isn’t unfairly burdened. Our KOMBUCHA Act will level the playing field and unlock new opportunities for local businesses in Oregon.” “Real, raw kombucha supports healthier outcomes for consumers, but current regulations have encouraged a market of less-healthy beverages that compromise quality to meet outdated laws,” said Jared Englund, Founder and CEO of Lion Heart Kombucha in Portland. “Senator Wyden’s advancement of the Kombucha Act would bring U.S. policy in line with other countries and allow a kombucha microbrew industry to flourish. I've been a commercial kombucha producer for 15 years and passage of the Kombucha Act would allow me and other brands to provide consumers with tastier, healthier products.” "Better Beverages supports the leadership of Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Adrian Smith, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas in advancing the KOMBUCHA Act,” said Better Beverages. “The current federal definition, rooted in outdated Prohibition-era standards, does not reflect modern fermentation practices and creates unnecessary barriers for responsible producers. Updating this framework will better align regulation with today's industry, support small businesses, and expand consumer access to safe, innovative products.” “We at Spring Branch Kombucha, a small, family-run business in the Missouri Ozarks, greatly appreciate the efforts of Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Adrian Smith, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas for advancing the Kombucha Act,” said Spring Branch Kombucha. “The existing federal definition, based on outdated Prohibition-era standards, creates unnecessary obstacles that disproportionately affect small producers like us. Updating this policy is critical to supporting small business innovation, strengthening our community, and ensuring consumers continue to have access to the diverse and growing kombucha market.” “We appreciate the efforts of Senator Ron Wyden for advancing the Kombucha Act,” said Kendra Sepulveda, Director of KBI. “The existing federal definition, based on outdated Prohibition-era standards, is no longer aligned with the modern kombucha industry and creates unnecessary obstacles for consumers and producers alike. Updating this policy will support innovation, strengthen businesses, please consumers, and contribute to a more dynamic and growing economy.” “Bruja Sana Kombucha supports the leadership of Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Adrian Smith, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas in advancing the Kombucha Act,” said Daniela Guilbert, CEO of Bruja Sana Kombucha. “As an international producer, we recognize that the current federal definition, rooted in outdated standards, does not fully reflect the living nature of kombucha or the realities of modern fermentation. Updating this framework will not only benefit U.S. producers, but also help strengthen the global kombucha community, support small businesses, and encourage continued innovation and growth across markets.” Kombucha only has trace amounts of alcohol, usually less than 0.5%, compared to the 4-7% in beer. A person would have to consume between five and ten bottles of kombucha to equal the alcohol content in one beer. However, because of the natural fermentation process, the alcohol percentage in kombucha can occasionally increase slightly above 0.5%, especially during transportation, triggering taxes that cover alcoholic beverages. The KOMBUCHA Act would increase the applicable alcohol-by-volume limit for kombucha from 0.5 percent to 1.25 percent, eliminating the tax and regulatory burdens on kombucha producers.

Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $1.1 Million for Oregon Fish and Wildlife Conservation Efforts | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a total of $1,059,961 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to support state fish and wildlife agencies. This funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) State Wildlife Grant program, which supports state agencies’ conservation efforts. “Our state’s lands and waters are integral to the futures of countless fish and wildlife, as well as many Oregonians’ quality of life and livelihoods,” said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat overseeing funding for the USFWS. “This new federal funding will strengthen conservation efforts and local restoration work, ensuring that Oregon’s ecosystems are protected for generations to come.” “Oregonians’ enjoyment of the outdoors is in our DNA, and protecting the state’s fish and wildlife is essential to ensuring our special relationship with nature continues now — and in the future,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these federal investments are coming to our state, and I’ll keep battling to secure similar resources for lands and water in Oregon.” The State Wildlife Grant program funds local fish and wildlife agencies to protect and manage species, promote the recovery of wildlife, and conserve habitats across the country. Since 2000, over $1.4 billion from the program has been distributed nationwide.

Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Bynum, Salinas Announce Over $7.5 Million to Strengthen and Defend Oregon Communities Facing Wildfire Threats | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), announced $7,538,176 is coming to four projects in Oregon to help make communities more resilient to severe wildfires. These investments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will support disaster relief efforts and mitigate wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Oregon. For years, the Oregon congressional delegation has worked to secure federal resources for Oregonians affected by wildfires. In the wake of the catastrophic wildfires that broke out over Labor Day weekend in 2020, Merkley and Wyden led the charge to push for the rapid approval of the request for federal disaster relief, which was granted, and also successfully urged the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to expedite the initiation and completion of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program for wildfires in Oregon. “Communities that were devastated by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires must have the resources they need to increase their resilience to future fires. The federal government must do all it can to assist Oregon families and businesses with those efforts,” said Merkley. “You can’t get ready after the fire starts, and Congress needs to ensure our communities can access all possible federal resources to prepare for and mitigate wildfires. As climate chaos fuels longer and fiercer fire seasons, I’ll keep fighting to make sure Oregonians get the support they need to take on devastating wildfires in every corner of the state.” “Oregonians who worked hard to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after the devastating Labor Day fires need and deserve these federal investments to protect their homes and small businesses going forward,” Wyden said. “I’m glad the teamwork with my colleagues has delivered these resources, and I’ll keep battling for similar funds that support wildfire resilience in communities statewide.” “As we head into a severe wildfire season, these investments are critical to regional connectivity in times of emergency,” said Rep. Hoyle. “It shouldn’t take this long to find the money to get people’s lives back on track and rebuild smarter. Keeping our Douglas County communications infrastructure strong is a step in the right direction and can make a huge difference in response time and survival rates.” “Too many Oregonians suffer every year from preventable wildfires,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding ensures that our communities are equipped with all of the resources they need to minimize fire destructions, protect Oregonians, and keep our environment safe. “Oregonians know how devastating wildfires can be for our communities, families, and local economies,” said Rep. Salinas. “These investments will help us better prepare for future disasters by strengthening critical infrastructure, improving emergency response, and reducing wildfire risk before it turns into tragedy. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to secure these federal resources and will keep fighting to ensure Oregon communities have the support they need to stay safe, resilient, and ready.” This funding for the grants announced today comes from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which supports state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments developing hazard mitigation plans and rebuilding in ways that reduce or mitigate future disaster losses in their communities following a Presidentially declared disaster. The four Oregon projects funded are as follows: “CPI’s recloser upgrade project will enhance electric reliability across six counties in western Oregon. The project will modernize our system to reduce outage durations and minimize the impacts of winter storms and wildfires. These upgrades will also improve system visibility, enabling faster, more informed response when outages occur. This project would not have been possible without FEMA’s support, and our partnership with FEMA is critical to keeping electricity reliable and affordable for our members,” said James Ramseyer, President/CEO of Consumers Power, Inc. “Douglas County extends its sincere thanks to Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, and Representative Val Hoyle for their support in securing the final portion of our approved FEMA funding for the Douglas County Radio Infrastructure and Improvement Project. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us strengthen critical communications systems that support public safety across our region,” said Tom Kress, Chair, and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

Wyden, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Decision to Block Funding for Fentanyl Detection Strips | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Position: Senator Wyden and colleagues oppose the Trump administration's decision to block federal funding for fentanyl detection strips and other drug-testing tools under SAMHSA grants, arguing the action contradicts the administration's stated commitment to addressing addiction and undermines overdose prevention efforts supported by recent bipartisan legislation.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today led 10 of his Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to reverse new guidance issued this week that ends the ability of federal grant recipients under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to use federal funding for test strips that detect fentanyl and other illicit drugs and help reduce overdoses and drug-related deaths. “Your actions will directly undermine the work of law enforcement and put lives at risk,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Doing away with this mainstay of overdose prevention runs directly counter to this administration’s own promises to crack down on the addiction epidemic in the United States. We demand that you reinstate this funding before American lives are lost as a direct result.” Because of the efficacy of fentanyl test strips, many state and county health authorities and law enforcement entities nationwide rely on them for counter-fentanyl strategies. In addition to fentanyl test strips, the Trump administration also ended funding for test strips that detect xylazine and medetomidine, both powerful veterinary sedatives, which are increasingly found in illicit fentanyl and contributing to overdose deaths. In their letter, the senators further noted that less than five months ago, Donald Trump signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act into law with strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate, which expressly provides that federal grant funding be used for harm-reduction tools like test strips. Joining Wyden in sending the letter were Senators Chris Coons, D-Del., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Ed Markey, D-Mass., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Tina Smith, D-Minn.

Wyden Secures Commitment to Release Classified Surveillance Opinion Before FISA 702 Debate | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Position: Senator Wyden secured a commitment to declassify a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court opinion documenting constitutional rights violations before the Senate debates Section 702 reauthorization. He advocates for reforms to Section 702 to include strong protections for Americans' constitutional rights and opposes the current practice of warrantless surveillance of Americans' communications.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., secured a commitment today from the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee to declassify a crucial opinion by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court regarding violations of Americans’ constitutional rights. “Today the Senate proved that security and liberty aren’t mutually exclusive. I secured a commitment from the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee to ensure the declassification of a FISA court opinion revealing abuses of Americans' rights,” Wyden said. “The more Americans know about these abuses, the more they demand real reforms. I’ll be using the next 45 days to put on a full-court press for real safeguards for Americans’ rights.” The text of the letter from Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., to the Director of National Intelligence and Acting Attorney General is below: “Earlier this month, the Department of Justice delivered to Congress a classified Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) opinion and order dated March 17, 2026. Under the law, your offices are currently conducting a declassification review for the purposes of making this FISC opinion and order publicly available, consistent with the protection of sources and methods, as soon as practicable. In order to inform the Senate debate on reauthorization of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, we expect that this declassification review will be completed, and the FISC opinion released publicly, within 15 days.” Video of Wyden reading the text of the letter into the Congressional Record is here. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows government surveillance of intelligence targets overseas, but also scoops up vast quantities of Americans’ communications in the process. The NSA, FBI and other federal agencies can then end-run the Fourth Amendment and read those communications without a warrant or any court order whatsoever. Wyden and a bipartisan coalition of members in the House and Senate have called for reforms to Section 702 to ensure the law is only renewed with strong protections for Americans’ constitutional rights.

Oregon Airports to Receive More Than $3 Million in Federal Investment | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced that 10 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $3.1 million to improve their infrastructure. “Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.” “Investing in critical airport improvements such as taxiways, helipads, hangars, and more increases safety and strengthens infrastructure across our state,” said Merkley. “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.” “Regional airports are critical to keeping Oregon connected,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In rural communities like Tillamook, investments in transportation infrastructure give small businesses access to markets and make communities more resilient in the event of a disaster. I'm grateful that this funding will support work at the Port of Tillamook Bay.” "Small airports are vital for rural Oregonians,” said Rep. Salinas. “They support local businesses and enable emergency responses when our communities need them most. This $1 million investment in McMinnville Municipal Airport will replace aging infrastructure and improve safety for everyone who uses it. I'm proud to help deliver these federal dollars to the airports that keep Oregon connected, and I'll keep pushing to make sure rural communities keep getting the federal investment they deserve.” "These infrastructure investments across our regional airports in Corvallis, Florence, Gold Beach and Newport are a win for the economic growth of our rural and coastal communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “We rely on these federal dollars to build up our airports' resilience in the face of worsening wildfire seasons." “Making it easier to get where you need to go keeps our economy strong and makes everyday life more convenient,” said Rep. Bynum. “Regional airports connect our communities, small businesses, and ensure Oregonians don’t have to drive hours just to access reliable transportation. I am proud to work with my colleagues to secure this critical funding for Oregon.” “Investments in small airports are invaluable and will pay dividends for Oregonians in the years to come,” said Rep. Dexter. “This funding will support critical improvements to the Troutdale Airport, a key hub for the Port of Portland and our regional economy. I will keep working to bring federal dollars into high-value projects in our community.” The awards totaling $3.14 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows: “The City of McMinnville greatly appreciates the continued federal financial support of safety and security improvements at the McMinnville Municipal Airport,” said airport manager John Paskell. “This important project provides for a significant security upgrade by adding nearly three miles of perimeter security fencing and adds an additional level of safety for pilots by installing a supplement wind cone on the Runway 4 end of the airport’s primary runway. As a developing regional general aviation airport, and as a significant economic asset and job creator in the community, continued federal infrastructure investment in airports is critical in ensuring their viability well into the future, particularly for airports in smaller communities like McMinnville. Those airport improvement dollars go a long way and help protect and preserve the airport’s financial self-sufficiency while also improving the facility.” “This federal investment is crucial as it ensures our airport infrastructure remains fully functional year-round, which is vital for emergency response and general aviation access in Eastern Oregon,” said Burns City Manager Brenda Engebretson. “The role of the Burns Municipal Airport in terms of public safety is often overlooked," said Harney County Commissioner Rob Frank. "It is an integral component of our wildfire response and emergency response for the entire region, and this investment in infrastructure is critical.” “The City of Florence is excited to receive this FAA funding to support the Beacon & Wind Cone Replacement Project at the Florence Municipal Airport,” the city said in a statement. “This project will help to improve essential airport safety infrastructure, as well as support safe and reliable aviation facilities that serve local and regional users. The Florence Municipal Airport is an economic driver for our area that provides a valuable space for commerce, emergency response, and recreational uses. The City of Florence is grateful for the continued support of this regional asset. “ “Ensuring safe and efficient operations is the Port’s top priority, and this federal investment will help to maintain taxiways at Troutdale Airport,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We are grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued support for our projects to meet the diverse transportation needs of our region.” "The recent FAA award for the Lexington Airport to upgrade our precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), is a major win for a small regional airport like ours,” said Morrow County Commissioner Gus Peterson. “This system will allow us to continue to serve our users with improved safety and efficiency as well as allow us to be able to potentially expand in the future. Morrow County is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve our small but important regional airport." "We’re grateful to see this investment in Morrow County," said Morrow County Commissioner David Sykes. "Upgrading the lighting systems at the airport is a common-sense move that keeps our pilots safe and ensures one of our important local assets stays in good condition." “Securing funding for a new hangar is significant investment in the future of Newport Municipal Airport,” said Lance Vanderbeck, Newport Municipal Airport Director. “This project will enhance our ability to serve pilots, aircrafts, and improve overall efficiency and safety. Through this funding, we’re better positioned to meet demand and ensure the airport remains a reliable asset for our community." "As Mayor of Gold Beach, I know the port is critical for emergency services and is an economic development engine,” said Gold Beach Mayor Tamie Kaufman. “This work helps make sure the port can continue being an asset to our community.”