Port of Camas-Washougal receives funding for airport study

The Port of Camas-Washougal has received $450,000 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to launch a master plan study for Grove Field Airport.

The comprehensive planning process will guide the airport’s development over the next 20 years, identifying infrastructure priorities, project timelines and funding strategies that support both community growth and regional aviation needs, according to a news release.

“Grove Field Airport is a jewel in the rough for eastern Clark County – there is so much potential there to help grow our economy,” former port commissioner John Spencer, a member of the port’s airport advisory committee, said in a news release. “This funding will enable a cohesive plan for development of the airport so that we can make this jewel shine. I can’t wait to start working with our community and all the stakeholders on this.”

Established as an airstrip in 1945 and acquired by the port in 1961, Grove Field features 77 leased port-owned hangars, 23 privately owned condominium hangars, 16 leased aircraft tie-downs and three transient aircraft tie-downs. The airport is also home to Fly It Academy, which provides commercial and private pilot training as well as aircraft maintenance services.