Oregon Watchdog: Telfer proposes a Flight Plan for Local Jobs

Senator Chris Telfer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2009
CONTACT: Michael Gay, 503.986.1950

Telfer proposes a Flight Plan for Local Jobs
$7.7 million investment means 2,214 jobs

Salem, OR – Senator Chris Telfer (R-Bend) has a plan to create local and lasting jobs while building needed infrastructure at local airports that will increase the economic viability of communities for years to come. The proposal, called Flight Plan for Local Jobs, uses $7.7 million to leverage $126 million of federal money to build facility improvements at local airports.

“These projects are planned and ready to go, all they need is the seed money,” said Telfer. “This is a small investment for a big return both now, in construction jobs, and into the future when the finished projects will bring tremendous economic benefit to communities all around Oregon.”

There are 27 projects at state and privately owned airports across Oregon that are ready to start through the federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) if 5% matching money can be found. With the
matching investment, over $126 million of economic infrastructure construction can begin. Flight Plan for Local Jobs proposes using state money to leverage the federal investment.

The Airport Improvement Program, funded through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
provides grants to public agencies and private owners for the planning and development of public-use airports. For large and medium hub airports, the grant covers 75 percent of eligible costs. For small primary, reliever, and general aviation airports, the grant covers 95 percent of eligible costs.

In general, AIP funds can be used on most airfield capital improvements or repairs. Any professional services that are necessary for eligible projects, such as planning, surveying, and design, are eligible as is runway, taxiway, and apron pavement maintenance.

“Just last week we spent over $300 million of taxpayer money to buy new light bulbs, pull up weeds and supposedly create 3,000 temporary jobs,” said Telfer. “The Flight Plan for Local Jobs has 1/20th of the cost, creates almost as many jobs and has a permanent benefit to the state economy. We could be funding real infrastructure improvements that add capacity and flexibility to our economy, which mean real jobs in the long and the short term.”

Example of projects that would be funded by the Flight Plan for Local Jobs:
• $29.3 million terminal and taxiway project at the Redmond airport, needs $1.465 million seed money
• $1.5 million taxiway construction project at Lakeview airport - needs $75,000 to leverage federal money
• $28 million runway extension at Portland International Airport, needs $2.8 million seed money
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