Central Oregon airport is accused of misspending grant funds

SISTERS, Ore. (AP) - A central Oregon municipal airport must repay nearly $400,000 in grant money that state officials say the airport misused.

The Bulletin of Bend reports (https://is.gd/M7pDxO ) that according to a review by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Sisters Eagle Airport owner Benny Benson misused some of the money he received in transportation grant funds for runway and airport improvements.

State officials say that more than half of the misused portion of the grant money was paid to Benson, airport managers and companies headed by Benson.

ODOT explained that the grant money was misspend in a letter to Benson dated Tuesday.

Benson said Thursday that he was surprised to hear about ODOT’s demand letter. He said he’s expected ODOT to make a phone call, not just send a letter. He says he plans to hire an attorney to respond to the agency.

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Information from: The Bulletin, https://www.bendbulletin.com