Designation allows federal funding to maintain high-wind alternate runway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated Eastern Oregon Regional Airport’s Runway 11/29 as a “Legacy Crosswind Runway,” restoring its eligibility for critical federal funding through the Airport Improvement Program.
A crosswind runway is a secondary runway built at an angle to the primary runway so planes to take off and land when strong winds blow against the primary runway. The FAA stopped funding for repairs for these secondary runways until the Reauthorization Act of 2024 created the “Legacy Crosswind” designation.
Pendleton Airfield Engineer Wayne Green applied for the designation in January 2026, and the FAA recently approved that designation, restoring eligibility for federal funding applications for Runway 11/29. When awarded, this funding can support ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and safety improvements necessary to ensure continued reliable operations.
“This Legacy Crosswind designation and FAA grant eligibility is significant for maintenance of this runway,” Green said. “This means the runway is now AIP grant eligible at a 95 percent federal and 5 percent local match. Without that funding, it would be difficult to maintain that runway, which would have limited airport operations.”
The FAA’s determination follows a detailed eligibility review confirming that Runway 11/29 meets all required criteria, including:
• The primary runway provides greater than 95 percent all-weather wind coverage
• The airport does not maintain another qualifying crosswind runway
• The runway previously received AIP funding for construction or improvements
With this designation, Eastern Oregon Regional Airport can continue to maintain a safe and functional secondary runway that supports diverse aviation operations, even during times of shifting or strong winds. Airport officials will coordinate closely with the FAA’s Airports District Office on future project planning and prioritization.