The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission met on May 29, 2024, to discuss and approve significant initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s aviation and aerospace infrastructure. The Commission took action and approved the Department’s proposed FY 2025-2029 Five-Year Airport Construction Program (ACP), a strategic initiative which is set to invest $342 Million in Federal, State and Local Funds across the Oklahoma Airport System over the next five years. This plan aims to enhance airport facilities, support economic growth, and ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the state.
Agency staff provided the Commission with a comprehensive briefing on the system planning process and project selection methods used in developing the ACP. During the nearly hour-long presentation, Commissioners reviewed each new project slated for inclusion as well as amendments to existing projects in the FY 2025-2029 Five-Year ACP. Following the review, Commissioners unanimously approved the programming of project funds aimed at enhancing the state’s airport infrastructure.
Major Projects and Grants:
In addition to approving the Five-Year ACP the Commission also awarded two grants for infrastructure projects that will start construction this summer. Both projects up for consideration were approved using preserving rural economic prosperity (PREP) funds that the Legislature approved in the fall of 2022.
Tulsa International Airport Grant: A substantial grant was approved for constructing a new air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control facility. This project, with a total cost of $111,597,773, will be funded through a combination of $52.5 million in federal funds, $16 million in PREP funds, and nearly $40 million in sponsor matching or other local funds.
Ardmore Municipal Airport Grant: The Commission approved $2,269,099 in PREP funds for constructing the south air cargo apron at Ardmore Municipal Airport, a critical infrastructure project supporting the region’s economic development growth opportunities.
Key Development Projects:
The overall five-year ACP includes 125 projects in 67 communities across Oklahoma. Projects range in size and scope from simple pavement maintenance projects to large multi-million-dollar runway renovations and extensions. Included in this year’s version of the ACP are 52 projects which are considered “pro-growth” or economic enhancement projects which are made possible by funding that the Oklahoma Legislature has provided the Department in the last several years.
- Alva Taxiway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,033,884, ODAA Share: $183,358, Local Match: $183,359
- Ardmore Downtown Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,323,000, ODAA Share: $500,000, Local Match: $632,300
- Durant Eaker Field Apron Expansion – Total Project Cost: $3,500,000, ODAA Share: $175,000, Local Match: $175,000
- El Reno Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $100,000
- Enid Woodring Apron Expansion – Total Project Cost: $2,250,000, ODAA Share: $112,500, Local Match: $112,500
- Guthrie/Edmond Taxiway Development Area – Total Project Cost: $1,936,300, ODAA Share: $900,000, Local Match: $146,300
- Haliburton Field (Duncan) Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $9,000,000, ODAA Share: $450,000, Local Match: $450,000
- Hobart Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $200,000, Local Match: $200,000
- Max Westheimer (Norman) Air Traffic Control Tower – Total Project Cost: $11,745,000, ODAA Share: $637,250, Local Match: $637,250
- Mid-America (Pryor) Runway Extension & Strengthening – Total Project Cost: $6,000,000, ODAA Share: $300,000, Local Match: $300,000
- Muskogee Davis Field Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $200,000, Local Match: $200,000
- Pauls Valley Runway Reconstruction – Total Project Cost: $5,280,000, ODAA Share: $264,000, Local Match: $264,000
- Ponca City Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $3,000,000
- Seminole Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $1,000,000
- Stillwater Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $5,200,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $1,200,000
- Thomas Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $100,000, Local Match: $100,000
- Weatherford Stafford Taxiway Development Area – Total Project Cost: $1,607,000, ODAA Share: $900,000, Local Match: $113,000
The above listed infrastructure projects are just an example of some of the construction activities that are a part of the comprehensive program to enhance airport infrastructure and ensure the state’s aviation facilities meet current and future needs to achieve the goal of having a safe, efficient and effective air transportation system. The entire ACP document can be found here: https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace/airports/airport_construction_program.html
“Our state’s airport system is the backbone of Oklahoma’s economic vitality and overall prosperity. When our airports flourish, they drive economic development, enhance connectivity, and significantly improve the quality of life for our businesses and residents,” said Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
