KBDN Air Traffic Control Tower 

The City of Bend is working together with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the State of Oregon,
Deschutes County, other agencies, and partners to design and construct an air traffic control tower for the Bend
Municipal Airport. The airport is located approximately six miles northeast of the city.

Bend’s airport is one of the busiest in Oregon but has no air traffic control tower. The addition of a control tower
is a vital improvement for the safety and efficiency of airport operations. The airport is also a significant
contributor to the region’s economy.

The project consists of three main components: 1) an Air Traffic Control Tower structure approximately 115 feet tall including a rotating beacon, antennas, and lightning rods; 2) an access road, a parking area, utility connections and security fences; and 3) supplemental weather sensors on a mast.

The FAA-approved site is an undeveloped area of airport property, approximately 500
feet east of Runway 16-34.

On July 1, 2024 the City of Bend issued a “Limited Notice to Proceed” to Corp Inc. to construct the BDN air traffic control tower. This allowed us to start ordering items facing supply chain delays. Groundbreaking is expected to occur August 7th, 2024 and project completion is set for October 2025.

The air traffic control tower design was $1.6 million, and construction cost is $9.1 million, funded primarily by a combination of federal and state grants.

Exterior components include: a rotating beacon, antennas, and lightning rods; a service road; a parking area; utility connections; a perimeter fence; and supplemental weather sensors on a mast. Interior components include: four controller workstations; a break room; a backup generator; and all necessary power, information technology, and mechanical systems.

Tower construction is an essential investment into the safety of operations at our airport as well as the future economic vitality and growth of our region. Bend Municipal Airport is the third busiest airport in Oregon with more than 140,000 annual takeoffs and landings.

If you have questions or comments please email, airport@bendoregon.gov and the appropriate airport staff member will respond.

Air Traffic Control Tower: Environmental Assessment 

Air Traffic Control Tower Site Selection Study