Helicopters contracted by the U.S. Forest Service for firefighting work use the Prineville Airport. (Prineville Airport/Submitted photo)

The Prineville Airport has been granted $448,000 in federal funds to build a new hangar for aircraft storage and expand an existing taxi lane, according to a statement by U.S. Sens. eff Merkley and Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.

The Federal Aviation Administration also issued $881,000 to the Pendleton Eastern Oregon Regional Airport for snowplow and snow removal broom to protect travelers during snowy weather, according to the lawmakers statement.

“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities, supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters, Merkley said in a prepared statement.