Richland Airport Major Projects
Port of Benton is continuing work to maintain and make improvements at the Richland Airport, with major projects planned for this vital asset, as outlined below.
The Port follows a Comprehensive Plan (Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements), Richland Airport Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan and Annual Work Plan to prepare and plan for major construction and other significant projects.
Current Projects
Richland Airport will begin a major construction project mid-summer 2026.
In 2024, Port of Benton completed two major projects at Richland Airport. Read more about these projects, the schedules and funding sources below.
Main Apron Improvements
Construction on the Main Apron Reconfiguration Project is expected to run August 17 – September 30, 2026. The project makes better use of the main apron area: expanded aircraft parking, stronger pavement in sections where it has worn thin, and better protection for the existing hangar buildings — funded through federal infrastructure dollars.
Project Schedule
Construction happens in two work areas, shown on the flyer below. The green work area will be closed for 3.5 days; the timing of that closure is still being determined. The blue work area will be closed for 45 days, August 17 – September 30, 2026.
Construction will affect aircraft access to the four hangar buildings northwest of the main apron. If your aircraft is in one of these hangars and you plan to fly during construction, move it to a tie-down on the north ramp before construction begins — or contact the Airport Manager to arrange another option.
Project Funding
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds (Formerly Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) – $833,000
Pavement Rehabilitation Project
This project included crack repair and fog seal on asphalt throughout the Airport (subject to Federal Aviation Administration funding availability). Crews also refreshed pavement markings.
The existing asphalt is not exhibiting structural failures but has significant cracking across the Airport.
Project Schedule
The construction window was from September 16 to October 11, 2024.
Project Funding
90% – Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant will cover 90% of all project costs.*
10% – Port of Benton matching funds will pay for the remaining 10% of the project.
* The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the port to accept all conditions and obligations stipulated for grant assurances. This includes following the FAA’s design guidance and safety during construction procedures. An inspector will be onsite full-time during construction to ensure compliance with the design.
Project Updates
Port of Benton Announces Richland Airport Apron Improvement Project
Construction scheduled August 17 through September 30, 2026
Port Working With Local Women Pilots Organization on Richland Airport Project
A visual aid pilots use at the Richland Airport for safe and accurate navigation is getting an update.
Richland Airport Pavement Maintenance Update – November 7, 2024
The 2024 pavement rehabilitation project at Richland Airport has been completed.
Communications & Outreach
The Port keeps airport users, community members, and businesses impacted by airport projects up to date on construction projects in multiple ways.
Our primary communication method is the Port’s eNews. We invite you to sign up to receive future updates about Airport projects and other Port news.
2024
Minutes & Recordings of Public Port Commission Meetings
Meeting Archive Center
Leadership Tri-Cities Economic Development Day Presentation
March 20, 2024
Three Rivers Convention Center
View Presentation
2024 Richland Airport Project Updates Public Meeting
March 13, 2024
Richland Public Library, 5 p.m.
View Presentation
State of the Ports 2024 Presentation
March 12, 2024
Pasco Red Lion
State of the Ports 2024
Watch Video
2023
Port Construction Projects
Newsletter Article – Fall 2023
Washington Public Ports Association
December 7, 2023
View Presentation
Richland Airport History
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission constructed the airfield in 1943. The airfield, named Atomic Energy Field, served the Hanford Site.
The government transferred the airfield to Port of Benton in December 1961, and the Port renamed it Richland Airport.
The Port was cautious about people’s hopes that airline service would come to the facility. They signed a lease with a private operator, and the Airport, which had been closed to private and commercial planes for decades, was open to public aircraft.
To read more about Port of Benton’s Richland Airport and history, visit our Richland Airport and History web pages.
