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IGR committee urges state and federal help for Eugene Airport expansion; showcase set for July 7
Summary
At its July 1 meeting, Eugene’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee heard staff say the airport expansion program totals roughly $450–$500 million, with about half the funding identified and a large remaining gap; members were urged to seek state and federal dollars and to attend a July 7 airport showcase.
Ethan, a city staff member, told the Eugene City Council Intergovernmental Relations Committee on July 1 that city leaders are preparing to press for state and federal funding for an expanded Eugene Airport program.
"Seek state and federal dollars for the Eugene Airport expansion," Ethan said, describing a suite of projects that staff currently estimate at roughly $450 million to $500 million and noting the city has identified funding for about half that total.
The committee heard that the airport program will be phased and that Concourse A expansion and baggage improvements are at the front of the work. Staff said local dollars already committed to early phases would be leveraged by new state and federal grants to push funds toward larger later phases, including a possible Concourse C expansion.
Why it matters: city staff said the program is large enough that it will require legislative champions. Ethan reported outreach to House and Senate leaders and said Representative Nathanson and Senator Manning have expressed support; the speaker's office indicated willingness to help if the city builds a broader coalition on the House side.
Councilor Evans asked about the funding gap commonly cited in meetings; Ethan said estimates vary by scope but that a frequently cited shortfall figure is about $140 million for certain project configurations, and that the $450–$500 million figure represents the total of currently identified and proposed projects. Councilors were told they will receive a detailed briefing in October when airport director Katherine (Katherine/Catherine) Stevens is scheduled to present and that a public "showcase" will be held July 7 to build momentum and visibility with regional partners and legislators.
Also raised were related coordination items: staff will follow up on city recommendations for Lane Transit District board appointments, and council was advised that representatives from the University of Oregon, Oregon State leadership and federal officials plan to attend the July 7 showcase.
The committee did not take formal action on funding at the meeting; next steps are staff follow-up with state legislators, an October work session with airport staff for detailed project-by-project briefings, and the July 7 showcase to broaden legislative and regional support.
