In 1996, the city worked with the state department of aviation and FAA to come up with a new airport layout plan. The FAA identified numerous options for future growth of the airport, some of which were quite ambitious. The city was less so, and chose a "modified no-build" option which was basically a plan to do some minor improvements but mostly stick to routine mantenance.

Because the city never budgeted for any improvements, and the state dollars that came along with the original transition had long since been used up, the condition of the airport continued to decline. Cracks and depressions formed in the runway and taxiways, and although the airport remained usable, it began looking rather forlorn.

In 2003, things began to turn around. The FAA and Oregon Department of Aviation (ODA) informed the city of federal Airport Improvement Program funds that were potentially available for the airport. Some local pilots appeared before the council and made a case for improving the airport, highlighting the potential benefits of attracting upscale flying tourists to the city. The council conducted a workshop and ended up declaring nearly unanimous support for keeping the airport and getting started on improvements.

A federal Airport Improvement grant, amounting to over $120,000, was applied for and subsequently approved, and the summer of 2004, a project to repair runway cracks and depressions and upgrade the wind indicator and segmented circle was completed.

With all of this going on, the city recognised the need for a committee to guide them on issues involving the airport, and an airport advisory committee was created. The committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm at City Hall (visitors welcome). The committee has made a number of recommendations, including several safety-related items, that have been implemented by the city, and has also undertaken to draft policy documents for the airport.

Friends of Seaside airport applauds the city's decision to support their airport, and will continue to monitor and work with the city to ensure that the airport continues as a viable part of the city's transportation infrastructure for the forseeable future.