Medford Airport DoT Grant Earmarked For Direct Dallas Fort-Worth Flights
MEDFORD, Ore. — A $600,000 Department of Transport (DoT) federal grant to Medford’s Rogue Valley International Airport has been earmarked to expand the air service between Medford and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced the funding would go towards the development of a revenue guarantee and an associated marketing plan to support the service.
Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport Funding Approved
A month after senators Wyden and Merkley announced a $6.4 million grant to the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) to extend its taxiways and reduce congestion, they announced that the DoT will contribute $600,000 in a Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Grant to support direct flights between Medford and Dallas-Fort Worth.
The funds will be used to encourage a new air service via a financial guarantee and promotional activities geared towards attracting airlines. Amber Judd, Director of the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, is optimistic but cautioned that airlines are not bound to initiate service just because an airport receives a grant award.
Judd noted interest from American Airlines and said, “We look forward to the potential for this new service to benefit travelers and support local economic growth.”
The federal funding adds to the recent $4 million allocated to the Prineville Airport and a $5 million grant for a terminal reconstruction project at Eugene’s Mahlon Sweet Airport.
New Direct Medford- Dallas-Fort Worth Flight service
Services between MFR and Dallas-Fort Worth will be expanded through the grant.
Senators Wyden and Merkley confirmed the grant would be used to create a revenue guarantee and associated marketing plan to recruit, initiate, and support new services between the two airports and enhance connectivity between the two regions.
Senator Wyden highlighted the economic benefits of boosting regional airport infrastructure, and Senator Merkley emphasized the importance of regional airports as central hubs for local communities.
Judd said the airport is committed to working with its airline partners to make the route a reality.