Oregon Aviation Department outlines Aurora Airport expansion plans at February public meeting

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss key issues surrounding Oregon's transportation infrastructure, particularly focusing on airport funding and performance metrics.

The meeting began with a query from Co-Chair Senator Woods regarding the expansion plans for the Aurora Airport. He sought a detailed breakdown of funding allocations for various airports. In response, Tony Beach, the State Airports Manager from the Oregon Department of Aviation, confirmed that the Aurora Airport is currently undergoing a master planning process, with a public meeting scheduled for February 11 to discuss the capital improvement project list.

Senator Woods expressed a desire for comprehensive information, indicating he would submit a series of questions regarding the Aurora Airport for the record. Beach assured the committee that they would provide the requested data.

The discussion then shifted to key performance measures (KPMs) related to airport operations. Beach reported that 91% of runways are in good or better condition, with a target of 100%. He noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that runway pavement remains in good condition for 20 years. However, he acknowledged challenges in meeting approach surface standards due to obstructions like trees and mountains, particularly at airports not owned by the state.

Representative Gomberg raised concerns about the realism of KPMs, particularly regarding obstructions affecting runway approaches. Beach agreed that the KPMs need refinement to better reflect controllable factors.

The committee also discussed the importance of emergency preparedness for airports, particularly in the event of natural disasters. Beach mentioned a report on airport resiliency that could be shared with the committee.

Customer satisfaction metrics were another focal point, with Beach revealing that the current satisfaction rate stands at 71%, against a target of 91%. He acknowledged the need for improved communication and customer service, noting that the agency is overhauling its website and communication strategies to better engage with the public.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on aircraft registration effectiveness, reporting an 89% collection rate against a target of 90%. Beach clarified that this metric measures the agency's success in collecting registration fees from aircraft owners.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance airport infrastructure and services in Oregon, with a clear emphasis on improving performance metrics and customer engagement. The next steps include the upcoming public meeting for the Aurora Airport and continued refinement of KPMs to ensure they accurately reflect the agency's operational realities.