Runway safety and passenger terminal improvement projects at Del Norte County Regional Airport (Del Norte Airport) moved closer to reality this week with the help of grants administered by the City of Brookings.
Brookings received $40,032 from the Oregon Department of Transportation through its Connect Oregon program which has been used to fund a variety of studies at the Del Norte Airport, including an environmental assessment for the proposed new terminal, preliminary design work for a runway safety project and a wildlife hazard assessment study. The grant was the first to be used to assist an airport project outside the state.
The City partnered with the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority (BCRAA) on these projects. Brookings has been a BCRAA member since 2008 and was the first non-California to participate in the governance and management of the Del Norte Airport.
According to City Manager Gary Milliman, improvements to the Del Norte Airport will benefit Brookings residents who use the airport, and further enhance the capacity of the airport for expanded passenger and freight service.
Brookings will be seeking additional Connect Oregon funds to assist with actual terminal and runway improvements in the future.