Prineville airport runway reopens; hangar project, leases and fuel services advance

Shelley (airport staff) told the commissioners on June 25 that the county runway project begun last October reopened in mid‑June and that most work is complete. The runway was closed for about five days during construction; striping and a fall re‑hydroseeding remain.

Shelley said the crosswind runway supports firefighting tanker operations and improves safety when strong north winds occur in the afternoons. Grindings from the old pavement are available and county staff will explore reusing that material on other county projects.

The new county hangar project is in foundation form work after excavation but is delayed by manufacturer scheduling; completion was expected by Aug. 31 but may slip into September or October. The county will finish restroom facilities with facilities management before offering the hangar for rent.

Every five years the county updates its land‑lease rates; an appraisal is underway to reset hangar lease rates, which staff expect may increase materially. Shelley said one older hangar on the field is under contract for sale and that a new operator (Hood Aero, the FBO) has added a flight instructor and an aircraft on site to grow activity.

The commission received no request for action; the update noted ongoing projects and expected next steps for construction, leasing and outreach.