Washington, D.C.
– U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the City of
Salem will receive a $850,000 federal grant to initiate regional commercial air
service at the Salem Airport.
“Regional air service
through small airports just like this one in Oregon’s capital city are crucial
to our state’s economy,” Wyden said. “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.”“Regional airports
serve an important role in supporting Oregon’s economy and by expanding
service, they increase opportunities for business and Oregonians,” Merkley
said.?“I am happy to see this funding
going to the Salem Airport to recruit a commercial airline provider and expand
their air service.?I look forward to seeing the results!”
The City of Salem 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 Los Angeles, Calif., San
Francisco, Calif., Las Vegas, Nev., and Phoenix, Ariz.
“I would like to
thank the senators for their support for this grant,” Salem Mayor Chuck
Bennett said. “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.”
“Commercial air
service is the jet fuel needed to create a diversified and vibrant regional economy—
providing smart and strategic economic development solutions around affordable
and accessible travel options, talent and investment recruitment, carbon
footprint reduction and so much more,” Travel Salem CEO Angie Onyewuchi
said.
English 
Spanish