Funding would improve terminal, increase space and enhance security

June 14, 2006 - Washington, DC -
U.S. Congressman Greg Walden, R-Ore., today announced a $950,000 investment Roberts Field for terminal improvements at the Redmond, Oregon, airport.  The investment was part of the fiscal year 2007 appropriations legislation for Transportation, Treasury and other agencies.  The investment was specifically requested by Walden.
 
“Central Oregon is one of the nation’s fastest growing regions and, as a result, Roberts Field is seeing tremendous increases in air travel to and from the area.  Keeping pace with demand and managing this increased volume is not an easy task, and Airport Manager Carrie Novick and her team are doing a tremendous job of managing the airport’s needs for the future,” said Walden.  “I look forward to working with our senators to keep this investment in the final agreement between the House and Senate.”
 
The investment, which must still be approved by the U.S. Senate, would help fund terminal improvements and expansion at Roberts Field to help provide more space for passengers, terminal maintenance and operations facilities, baggage claim areas, security screening and handicap accessible restrooms.  Airport officials estimate that five million people have used the airport terminal since it opened.
 
“This is great.  The money that Congressman Walden helped secure in the House bill will allow us to continue to move the terminal expansion project forward.  Without his support of Redmond Airport in this bill, our project’s future would be more uncertain.  Somehow thank you doesn't seem enough,” said Roberts Field Manager Carrie Novick.
 
Walden is currently in his fourth term representing the people of Oregon’s Second District which is more than 70,000 square miles of eastern, central and southern Oregon. He is a member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce and the Committee on Resources.