Eugene Airport expansion promises thousands of new jobs

In a recent government meeting, Katherine Stevens, the airport director at Eugene Airport, provided an extensive update on the terminal renovation and expansion plans, known as the TREX project. The presentation highlighted several key developments, including the completion of an economic impact study conducted by Martin Associates, a leading transportation consulting firm.

The study revealed that the airport currently supports approximately 10,400 jobs, with 6,700 of those being direct jobs. The total personal income generated from these jobs is estimated at $441.6 million, contributing around $82 million in local and state taxes. The analysis also indicated that the airport's activities significantly benefit the local economy, with a notable portion of the jobs held by residents of Eugene and Lane County.

Stevens emphasized the importance of the TREX project, which aims to expand the terminal to accommodate increasing passenger demand. Projections suggest that passenger numbers could nearly double from 860,000 in 2023 to approximately 1.6 million by 2042. The study also assessed the potential economic impacts of the concourse development, indicating that failure to proceed with the expansion could jeopardize future job growth and economic activity.

The meeting underscored the critical role of Eugene Airport in the region's economy and the necessity for continued investment in infrastructure to support its growth. The insights from the economic impact study will guide future planning and decision-making as the airport seeks to enhance its facilities and services.