Pendleton UAS range gets big state grant
By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton UAS Test Range will receive $2.125 million over two years in grant funding from Business Oregon. A total of 19 centers for innovation excellence across Oregon applied for funding. Five received the awards. Of all applicants, the test range was considered to be in the top two.
Pendleton City Manager Robb Corbett says that as drones become more of a normal part of the aviation industry, the need for test ranges will be reduced and Economic Development Director Steve Chrisman and others are working hard to make sure that Pendleton remains in a strong position nationally.
“This grant will enable us to grow our roots deeper into becoming that long-term, sustainable test range,” he said. “That is our goal.”
Partnering with the range in its plans for the future are Autodesk, Sigma Design, Decavo LLC, Rain Aero, Delmar Aviation, and Blue Mountain Community College.
