A conflict between federal immigration enforcement and Oregon’s sanctuary law put $14 million in federal funding earmarked for the Eugene Airport at risk — including $5 million to help pay for a concourse expansion.

Eventually, the airport got almost all of that money, with the exception of a $400,000 energy-related federal grant. At the Friday, Nov. 14 meeting of the City Club of Eugene, officials will explain how they navigated the situation. Admission is free.

The noon meeting at WOW Hall, 291 W. Eighth Ave., will feature three speakers:

  • Greg Evans, who has represented Ward 6 on the Eugene City Council since 2013 and serves as council president.
  • Brittany Quick-Warner, the president and CEO of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Cathryn Stephens, who came to the airport in January 2007 and now serves as airport director, overseeing its day-to-day operation.

In April, Eugene missed the deadline to execute a $5 million Federal Aviation Administration Airport Terminal Program grant, because language in the grant agreement conflicted with Oregon’s sanctuary law. (The law restricts state and local governments from assisting federal immigration enforcement.) A letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation said the federal government expected grant recipients to cooperate with immigration enforcement.

This fall, the Department of Transportation reinstated the $5 million grant, allowing the $21.5 million concourse expansion project to get back on track. A court injunction allowed two other grant agreements for the airport to be signed.

Friday’s program will be livestreamed and will be available on the City Club of Eugene’s YouTube channel. Club meetings are rebroadcast Mondays at 7 p.m. on KLCC, 89.7 FM, and are available later on the club’s podcast. 

The City Club of Eugene explores local, state and national issues and works to develop solutions. Membership is open to all.