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A crew prepares a cub craft airplane for takeoff at Ken Jernstedt Airfield, owned by the Port of Hood River. 

HOOD RIVER — Port commissioners authorized a special procurement exemption and five-year service agreement to Aviation Management Services (AMS) at Ken Jernstedt Airfield on June 16. Jeff Renard, AMS principal, has managed the airfield since June 2024 and is responsible for several on-going projects. Kevin Greenwood, port executive director, cited those projects as justification for the procurement exemption.

Commissioner Kathryn Thomas questioned whether the stated “findings of fact” were legally sufficient for a special procurement; port policy generally requires a competitive process. The port’s legal counsel, Tommy Brooks, advised the findings provided necessary justification. The port will review procurement policy going forward.