Salem gets $850K federal grant to attract airlines

With an $850,000 federal grant to attract airlines, Salem Municipal Airport is one step closer to providing commercial air service to the region.

But McNary Field is still a long time — and millions of dollars — away from being more than a general aviation airport.

Potential flight destinations could include Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, according to a statement released jointly Thursday from U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.

“Regional air service through small airports just like this one in Oregon’s capital city are crucial to our state’s economy,” Wyden said in the statement. “I am gratified to see these dollars go toward expanding regional air service in Salem to have a more accessible option for travel in and out of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Investing in smaller airports like the Salem Airport lays the groundwork to continue to support our state’s economic growth and tourism.”

In a letter of support, Wyden said the addition of Salem air service would eliminate 100,000 vehicle trips to Portland each year.

The city will receive $850,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program to recruit, initiate and support new air service to California, Nevada and Arizona.

Wyden said the recruitment initiative is anchored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Travel Salem and SEDCOR.

Three airlines have reportedly expressed interest in setting up shop in Salem. A regional airline called Aha! sent a letter of interest to TSA. The airline would run two flights a week from Salem to Reno. The other two are bigger airlines with more destination options.

“I would like to thank the senators for their support for this grant,” Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett said in a statement. “This money is an important step in the City of Salem getting back commercial air. Commercial air will support and grow the Mid-Willamette Valley economy, increase tourism, reduce traffic and congestion along the I-5 corridor, and create less dependence on the Portland International Airport.” 

But the new funding doesn't mean residents can book a flight anytime soon.

Significant investments are required to bring the airport up to FAA and TSA standards for commercial air service.

The 751-acre airport is home to more than 130 aircraft hangars and businesses, as well as the Oregon National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility.

In a recent Salem City Council work session, city staff presented two renovation and operational plans costing $3.9 million and $10 to $12 million. The cheaper plan, which would just include renovation, would take an estimated nine to 12 months to complete. This work would sustain working with smaller, 50-seat airplanes.

The $12 million plan would include renovation and expansion of the terminals to accommodate more passengers and would take 12-18 months. This plan would be needed to work with larger capacity airplanes.

More airport, police and fire staff, along with new equipment and vehicles, are also needed to keep the airport safe and operational, according to the city report.

The work session outlined both the opportunities and risks of bringing commercial air service to Salem.

Staff said the airport could bring increased tourism to the region, reduce carbon emissions by cutting down trips to the Portland and Eugene airports, and be an added convenience for Salem residents.

At the same time, air service requires significant investment in infrastructure, staffing and equipment before the airport could generate revenue and it comes with no airline obligation or guarantee of air service sustainability or growth.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth