Prineville Airport reports record fuel sales amid busy fire season

The Crook County Board of Commissioners held a work session on August 28, 2024, focusing on several key developments at the Prineville Airport and the upcoming expansion of the Redmond Airport terminal.

A significant highlight was the airport's recent financial success, attributed to a new flowage fee program that generated approximately $3,400 in revenue from fuel sales. The ongoing busy fire season has led to increased activity at the airport, with the Oregon Department of Forestry utilizing up to six air tankers for firefighting efforts, a notable increase from previous years. This year, federal retardant is being loaded at Prineville, enhancing operational efficiency and doubling the activity at the airport.

Additionally, Pathfinder Aviation, a large helicopter operation from Alaska, is leasing hangar space at the airport. They plan to base two to three helicopters in Prineville, which will be used for firefighting across the country during the summer and will return for maintenance and training in the winter.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure improvements, including a $159,000 pavement maintenance grant from the Oregon Department of Aviation, which covered essential repairs at no cost to the county. Two new hangars are under construction, expected to accommodate corporate jets, with utility services being established under budget.

The commissioners discussed performance indicators related to airport lease space, noting a significant increase in leased square footage, which is projected to generate an additional $30,000 to $35,000 in annual revenue. Current occupancy rates are estimated at 96%, slightly down from previous figures due to compliance inspections.

Lastly, the meeting touched on the Redmond Airport terminal expansion project, which is estimated to cost between $170 million and $200 million. The project aims to incorporate local features into the terminal design, and the commissioners encouraged community input on what elements should be included to represent Prineville and the surrounding areas.

Overall, the work session highlighted the airport's growth and the importance of community involvement in regional developments, setting a positive tone for future initiatives.