Leaders anticipate losses from 21-day closure of Redmond Airport


The airport will close May 2 for an $18.5 million resurfacing project.

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According to [Airport Director Zachary Bass], 2,595 takeoffs and landings, ranging from commercial air service to freight aircraft, will not occur as normally scheduled during the three-week period where both runways are out of commission. According to a 2014 report from the Oregon Department of Aviation, Redmond Airport directly created 517 jobs, and generated more than $14 million in yearly spending at the airport as well as adjunct businesses such as car rentals, in 2012.

Jason Neff, deputy director of central services for the city of Redmond, said the closure will cost the airport around $360,000, including $130,000 in car rentals, which the city incorporated into its budget for the year.

(READ MORE: Bend Bulletin)

Read about how Oregon’s rural airports face an uncertain future in the OB Spotlight story, “Losing Altitude.”

RELATED NEWS: Redmond to revamp housing plan; House passes bill that could restore service to Crater Lake-Klamath airport.