Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission Approves Airport Projects for Ardmore Municipal, Enid Woodring and Tulsa Riverside

During their meeting in Oklahoma City in September, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission approved three projects within their Airport Construction Program (ACP) that will strengthen the aviation industry within their respective communities. 

Airport Engineer Ben Naghavi, PE presented airport projects to Commissioners at the special meeting of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission on September 8, 2022.

The Commission approved a state loan for a project identified in the Commission’s approved ACP at Ardmore Municipal Airport. The project will construct a 120’x120’ box hangar that will be used to house the airport’s growing customer base for the storage of aircraft, space for small aviation businesses and a flight school. The total project cost is $2,168,000 and will be funded with $600,000 of state funds from the Commission and $1,568,000 of sponsor matching funds provided by the airport. 

Enid Woodring Regional Airport also had a project approved by the Commission. Phase 1 of the project consists of reconstructing the airport’s crosswind runway, which will be used by local and transient general aviation traffic. Based on bids, the total project cost is $2,429,065, and will be funded with $2,186,158 of federal grant funds, $121,453 of state grant funds, and $121,454 of sponsor matching funds.

Another state grant was approved for a project at Tulsa Riverside Airport. The project consists of reconstructing several of the connector taxiways for primary runway 19R/1L to meet FAA standards and increase safety and operational efficiency at the airport. Tulsa Riverside is the busiest airport in the state and has over 300 based aircraft.  The total project cost is $3,331,000 and will be funded with $2,997,900 of federal grant funds, $166,550 of state grant funds, and $166,550 of sponsor matching funds. 

The Oklahoma Airport System Plan (OASP) approved by the Commission is the long-term strategic planning document used to identify the network of airports needed to serve the state. The OASP identifies airports by functional classification, service level, and design standard.

The Commission’s ACP programs federal and state funds regarding airport infrastructure development at the 104 general aviation airports across the state. The ACP allows the Commission, the Federal Aviation Administration, and airport sponsors to anticipate airport funding needs and accommodate changes in project scope, cost, and schedule based on multi-year planning.

“Quality aviation infrastructure is a key component to the health and success of the state’s second largest industry, aviation and aerospace,” State Director of Aeronautics Grayson Ardies said. “These projects that were approved today will go a long way to ensuring the airports in those communities will continue to be hubs of economic activity.”

To see the entire list of projects included in the proposed ACP, please visit the Airport Development page on the Commission’s website at oac.ok.gov.