A major goal of the City is to utilize its Airport and the Airport Industrial Park to bring jobs and industry to the City. The City owned airport is over 2,200 acres in size and includes the Madras Industrial Park and the Jefferson Park Business Center. There are several successful efforts.
Heavy Aircraft and Engine Maintenance Facility. This project is the constructon of a nearly 40,000 sf aircraft hangar which will be the future home for Butler Aircraft Company. The project was started in the Spring of 2009 and has now been finished. Butler Aircraft will take possession in August 2010 with a "grand opening" ceremony on August 27, 2010. Butler Aircraft will employ many highly skilled workers with an average salary of nearly $50,000 per year. The project totals $4.1 million, with nearly $3.0 million in grants. The remaining loan is from the State. Butler Aircraft Company's lease payment services the loan.
Connect Oregon III. The City has applied for $1.8 million in grant money from Connect Oregon III and $437,000 in FAA grants to construct a variety of safety and air navigation improvements at the Madras Municipal Airport. The City anticipates Oregon Transportation Commission approval of the project in August of 2010, with work commencing in the late winter of 2010..
Aiport Master Plan Update. The City is using a $148,000 grant from the FAA to update its Airport Master Plan. The City has hired as consultants Century West Engineering. The Consultant is working with he City's Airport - Industrial Park Commission on the ALP update and anticipates completing this work by Summer 2010. This is important planning process will help position the City to maximize the Airport's aeronautic and economic benefit to the community of Madras.
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