A Feb. 5, 2026, ribbon-cutting celebrated the completion of a major renovation project at Pierce County Airport-Thun Field (KPLU) in Puyallup, Washington.
The former airport office has been transformed into a multi-purpose facility now known as the Airport Operations and Aeronautical Response Center. It was designed to strengthen both daily airport operations and regional emergency response capabilities, according to airport officials.
The new center will house airport staff and serve as a coordination hub for local and regional responses to wildfires, natural disasters, search and rescue missions, and other emergencies.
In addition to its emergency management role, the facility will support airport events and provide space for aviation community meetings, reinforcing Thun Field’s role as a gathering place for the region’s aviation partners, according to state aviation officials.
The project modernized the building’s interior, converted underutilized space into an emergency operations room, and created short-term living accommodations for first responders. These upgrades ensure the facility can quickly transition from day-to-day operations to emergency response when needed, officials noted.
Funding for the project was made possible through a Washington State Department of Commerce grant and Pierce County REET funds.
For more information: PierceCountyWA.gov/ThunField
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