DOT 57-04
Contact: Bill Mosley
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Tel.: (202) 366-5582

U.S. Department of Transportation Invests
Over $6 Million for Portland International Airport Improvements

PORTLAND, OR — Portland International Airport will get money from the Bush Administration to help pay for work on a taxiway important to current and anticipated international flights now serving the community, it was announced today.

U.S. Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Emil Frankel visited the airport this afternoon to announce more than $6 million in grants to help pay for relocation and strengthening of a taxiway in order to better accommodate larger international-bound aircraft now operating at the airport, and to pay for other service-related improvements

He was joined by Chris Corich, Port of Portland aviation general manager of operations and maintenance, for a tour of the taxiway and other aspects of the airport’s multi-billion-dollar expansion project. The federal government’s commitment to Portland International Airport is illustrated by the total of $133 million in airport improvement grants provided to the airport between 1982 and 2003. These grants, combined with today’s announcement, have helped to enhance the airport’s safety and efficiency as air traffic has expanded.

“This Administration understands the need to expand airport capacity and harness new technology to meet airspace demand and keep America moving. As we enjoy a revived economy and air travel continues to gain momentum, an investment like this reflects that commitment,” Assistant Secretary Frankel said.

“Portland International Airport is at the epicenter of economic activity in Oregon,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said. “This grant money will have a positive effect in the region and will enable the airport to continue to compete for economic opportunities throughout the region and world.”

A grant of $2.5 million will help complete the rehabilitation of Taxiway B, including strengthening the surface and relocating the taxiway, marking the final installment of a total of $14.9 million in federal funds for the project. The remaining grant funds totaling $3.5 million will be used to rehabilitate a service road at the airport.

The grant is provided through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration, which support’s the nation’s airport infrastructure by providing grants for capital improvements.

Briefing Room