REDMOND, OR -- Redmond’s Airport is in the process of developing its next Master Plan, and Airport Director Zach Bass invites the public to offer input. "Every 10 years or so, we’re required to look at a 20-year plan for the future of the airport." That Master Plan is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Bass tells KBND News, "We look at what’s happening in the airline industry, how many passengers is Redmond going to have in the future – what that’s estimated to be. Then based on what we call all those ‘forecasts,’ we decide on if we need to grow or if we need to shrink. And, if we do need to grow, which is the case, then how do we do so?"
Airport staff and planning consultants will discuss proposed improvements and forecasted needs at an open house next week. While Roberts Field is owned and managed by the city of Redmond, Bass says it’s a regional airport and he hopes people from across the region will help determine its future. "As we grow in enplanements, which are passengers getting on a plane here, how long does our runway need to be? Do we need to add space to the terminal? What is our general aviation forecasted to look like and how do we grow to make sure we’re meeting the needs of all of our customers?"