Ken Jernstedt Airfield Terminal and Resiliency Facility Project
The Port of Hood River is planning a new Terminal and Resiliency Facility at Ken Jernstedt Airfield. The facility is designed to improve services for pilots, passengers, businesses, emergency responders, and the broader community while strengthening the airport’s ability to remain operational during emergencies.
The project will replace the airport’s limited and outdated accommodations with a modern, accessible, and energy-efficient facility supporting aviation, economic development, community use, and regional disaster response.
Project at a Glance
- Location: Ken Jernstedt Airfield, Hood River, Oregon
- Facility: New two-story terminal and resiliency facility
- Estimated project cost: Approximately $8.9 million
- Current phase: Funding and project development
- Anticipated completion: Summer 2028, subject to funding and required approvals
- Owner: Port of Hood River
Why This Project Is Needed
Ken Jernstedt Airfield currently lacks a modern terminal capable of adequately serving pilots, passengers, airport businesses, and visitors. The need for a terminal has been identified in airport and regional planning documents for more than 50 years.
The January 2024 winter storm also demonstrated the importance of resilient public infrastructure. Widespread power outages and transportation disruptions highlighted the need for backup power, communications, emergency coordination space, and alternative transportation access when regional highways are closed or impaired.
The proposed facility would help the airport continue supporting the community during winter storms, wildfires, power outages, transportation disruptions, and other emergencies.
Planned Facility Features
The proposed facility is expected to include:
- Public lobby and waiting areas
- Welcome center and visitor amenities
- Pilot lounge and flight-planning areas
- Flexible community meeting and emergency coordination space
- Administrative and airport operations offices
- Aviation-related commercial and office space
- Café or small retail area
- ADA-accessible restrooms
- Emergency power and communications capabilities
- Potential solar energy and battery-backup systems
- Improved pedestrian access, parking, and connections to the airfield
- Energy-efficient and resilient building systems
Facility features may be refined as the project proceeds through final design.
Community and Regional Benefits
Emergency Preparedness and Resiliency
The facility would provide backup space for emergency coordination, communications, training, and other response activities when primary facilities are unavailable. Its air-accessible location would also help support the movement of emergency personnel, supplies, and equipment when ground transportation routes are disrupted.
Economic Development
A modern terminal would strengthen Ken Jernstedt Airfield as a regional transportation asset and support business aviation, tourism, local industries, flight training, aircraft services, and other aviation-related businesses.
The facility would also include leasable space for aviation-related businesses, helping generate revenue to support the airport’s long-term operations.
Workforce Development and Community Use
Flexible meeting and training areas could support aviation education, workforce development, emergency-responder training, community meetings, and STEM-related programs.
Airport Self-Sufficiency
Revenue from leases, facility use, and aviation-related services would help cover ongoing operating and maintenance expenses and advance the Port’s goal of maintaining a financially sustainable airport.
Funding
The estimated project cost is approximately $8.9 million. The Port has submitted an application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for funding through its disaster-recovery program. The Port is also pursuing a combination of Port funds and other grant or outside funding opportunities.
The project schedule, final scope, and construction timing depend on funding availability and completion of required environmental review, design, permitting, and procurement.
Anticipated Project Timeline
- March 2026: EDA funding application submitted
- 2026: Funding review, environmental review, and selection of a design team
- 2026–2027: Schematic design and construction documents
- 2027: Permitting and competitive construction bidding
- August 2027: Anticipated construction start
- Summer 2028: Anticipated substantial completion and occupancy
This timeline is preliminary and subject to change.
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Project Contact
Kevin M. Greenwood, Executive Director
Port of Hood River
541-386-1138
kgreenwood@portofhoodriver.com
