State and local officials joined the Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) for a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 21st to celebrate the completion of the extensive Runway and Electrical Improvement Project at Cape Blanco State Airport (5S6). This critical infrastructure upgrade significantly enhances safety, operational efficiency, and the long-term viability of this vital coastal aviation facility.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a multi-phase project, which began in August 2024 and recently concluded. Attendees included Senator David Brock Smith and Representative Court Boice. Key improvements included:
• Runway Resurfacing: The existing runway underwent resurfacing, addressing decades of wear and tear, and ensuring a smoother, safer landing and takeoff experience for aircraft. The runway was repaved the full 5,100 feet in length and is 75 feet wide.
• All New Airfield Lighting System: For the first time in half a century, the airport has functioning airfield lighting. An all-new LED airfield lighting system has been installed, providing superior visibility for pilots, especially during low-light conditions and inclement weather. This includes new runway edge lights, taxiway lights and signage, a new airport beacon, electrical building and regulator, lighted windsock, Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) on each runway end.
The airport serves recreational pilots, agricultural operators, and provides a critical link for emergency medical flights and search and rescue operations. It also supports visitors to Cape Blanco State Park and surrounding attractions.
“Southwest Oregon, Curry County, our communities and residents are grateful for Oregon Department of Aviation’s investments in the Cape Blanco State Airport,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “Since my time as the President/Director of the Port Orford & North Curry County Chamber of Commerce over 20 years ago, I have been advocating for upgrades on infrastructure. The Cape Blanco Airport has always been identified as and will be, a critical emergency response hub after the Cascadia Subduction Zone event, expected to survive the earthquake and subsequent tsunami as well as rated to handle heavy loaded aircraft. This airport will be an important hub for all of southwest Oregon’s emergency response and recovery efforts. Additionally, the modernization of the lighting and approach systems, along new paving will assist with needed economic development, from opportunities for businesses, tourism, exports and more. We appreciate ODAV and their work at Cape Blanco, and their efforts for our rural airports across the state,” concluded Senator Brock Smith.
Representative Boice stated, “Under the leadership of Director Kenji Sugahara, it’s obvious that our Oregon Department of Aviation assures that our states 28 State Owned Airports are balanced in the scarce resource’s implementation throughout. The North Curry Cape Blanco Airport is an absolute treasure and seeing ODAV strategically place valuable funding into this facility is timely and an excellent investment. The Sugahara Teams vision of the future for our Economy, Emergency Preparation, Environmental safeguards and even Employment is a solid approach to wise growth, especially for Southern Oregon. As a former Curry Commissioner and now State Rep., I and my District 1 are grateful.”
The project was funded entirely by the state, including legislatively directed funds in HB 5202 in the amount of $2,598,406 and $1,222,779 from ODAV’s State Owned Airports Reserve (SOAR) Program. The Cape Blanco State Airport does not receive federal funding, making this state investment crucial to its long-term operation.
For more information about Cape Blanco State Airport and the Oregon Department of Aviation’s statewide efforts, visit their website.
