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News & Important Information
Press Release: Oregon Department of Aviation Completes Runway and Electrical Rehabilitation Project at Siletz Bay State Airport
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) is pleased to share that the Runway and Electrical Rehabilitation Project at Siletz Bay State Airport (S45) in Gleneden Beach has been completed.
This project strengthens critical coastal infrastructure by improving runway safety, visibility, and reliability. Funded through nearly $2 million in federal investment from the FAA and just over $200,000 in state Aircraft Registration Revenue, the upgrades ensure that Siletz Bay continues to serve as a safe and dependable airport for the region.
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Press Release: Oregon Department of Aviation Welcomes New Airport Programs Specialist
The Oregon Department of Aviation is pleased to announce the addition of Christian Berge as our new Airport Programs Specialist. Christian brings an impressive background that includes military aviation operations, two decades in law enforcement, and ten years of aviation industry experience with both Southwest and Horizon Air. Most recently, he served as a Patient Advocate with the Portland VA Medical Center.
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Remembering Former ODAV Board Member Doug Ferguson
The Oregon Department of Aviation is saddened to share the passing of former board member Douglas “Doug” Ferguson. Doug served the state and Oregon’s aviation community with dedication and expertise, bringing decades of engineering and surveying experience to his role on the board.
Doug’s lifelong passion for aviation was evident both in his professional work and in his personal life as a pilot and community leader. His service left a lasting impact on Oregon’s airports and the people who use them.
We extend our deepest condolences to Doug’s family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Mount Vernon Community Center, with a reception to follow.
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ODAV Operations Unaffected by Federal Shutdown
The recent federal government shutdown had minimal impact on the Oregon Department of Aviation. Most of ODAV’s funding comes from state sources—like aircraft registration fees and aviation fuel taxes—rather than federal appropriations. Thanks to this structure, our day-to-day operations and airport support services continued without disruption, with only minor delays on federally funded projects.
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.
Aurora State Airport - User and Visitor Safety Training
ODAV is working to prevent Surface Incidents such as Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations at UAO, which continue to be the highest in our region according to the FAA. We need everyone’s cooperation to keep UAO safe for all of its users.
In support of those efforts, 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.
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Construction
The Prospect State Airport - Apron Reconstruction Prospect apron has been repaved, tiedowns will be installed and markings will be applied when weather allows.
Aurora State Airport Runway reopened on 10/24. The runway has been fully repaved to repair extensive cracking and surface delamination, as well as correct non-standard grading of the crown. The grooves have now been cut, which improves drainage and braking in wet conditions. Final markings will be applied next year.
Mulino State Airport Pavement Maintenance was recently completed with asphalt patching and joint repairs.
Joseph State Airport (JSY) - Runway/Taxiway Closures for Pavement Maintenance that included asphalt crack sealing on the runway and parallel taxiway is finished for the season.
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.
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To receive the latest information, please sign up for airport specific outreach using the link below:
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COAR Cycle 10
The COAR grant application period ended October 31. Sixty-six applications with a total funding request of $5.83M were submitted. ODAV is currently reviewing the applications, and preparing for Aviation Review Committee (ARC) meetings. After the ARC meetings, the applications will be reviewed by the State Aviation Board and approved at the February 2026 State Aviation board meeting. A summary of the 2026 COAR grant applications is on our website here.
Questions about the COAR grant program may be sent to Grants@ODAV.Oregon.gov.
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Obstruction removal at Mulino State Airport
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Before and after of electrical building at Cottage Grove
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We are back in obstruction removal season, putting the forestry equipment we acquired earlier this year to good use. Staff have removed obstructions on state property, and cleaned up trees that have fallen on during recent wind storms. Staff have been clearing obstructions and brush at the Cascade Locks, Lebanon, and Mulino State Airports. Staff have also been catching up on deferred maintenance such as repainting electrical buildings at state airports!
We also have put our new truck into service! This new hybrid pickup replaces a 9 year old ¾ ton pickup truck. The new truck gets double the fuel efficiency of the outgoing truck, and so far it has driven 25% of its miles all electric with the gas motor not running. Our staff drive all over the state to inspect airports, so we expect significant savings in fuel consumption and emissions.
If you see staff at one of our airports, give them a friendly wave!
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Next Board Meeting
The next State Aviation Board meeting will be taking place on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 at ODOT T-Building RM 240 Stuart Foster Conference Room, 355 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.
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(503)378-4880 
3040 25TH ST SE, Salem, OR 97302 
www.oregon.gov/aviation
