The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission met May 14 to discuss and approve significant initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s aviation and aerospace infrastructure. The Commission acted and approved the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ proposed FY 2026-2030 Five-Year Airport Construction Program (ACP), a strategic initiative which is set to invest more than $353 Million in Federal, State and Local Funds across the Oklahoma Airport System beginning July 1st with the start of the new fiscal year. This plan strives to enhance airport facilities, aid 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 over the course of the past 6 months in developing the ACP. During the presentation, Commissioners reviewed each new project slated for inclusion as well as amendments to existing projects. Following the review, Commissioners unanimously approved the programming of project funds aimed at enhancing the state’s airport infrastructure.
Major Projects
Among the statewide projects reviewed at the May meeting were several improvements to the Shawnee Regional Airport. The Shawnee airport, including the airport’s terminal, was heavily damaged by an EF-3 tornado that hit the area in April 2023. While the tornado devastated the airport it also provided the opportunity to rebuild stronger and provide for future growth opportunities. Shawnee airport improvements include the construction of a new replacement terminal building at a cost of $3.825 million as well as developing a new 40+ acre area by constructing hangars, taxiways, utilities, and access roads to support the Department’s goal of having more site-ready locations for aviation businesses.
Several other airports will see significant transformations over the course of the next 5 years including the Max Westheimer Airport in Norman with more than $30 million in investment for its airfield optimization projects which include multiple runway extensions, pavement strengthening, and hangar construction. The community of Atoka will see its airport relocated. Both the Stroud Municipal Airport and Robert S Kerr Airport (Poteau) will receive runway extensions to accommodate larger aircraft. Pawhuska’s airport runway will be relocated to meet safety standards.
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 62 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.
- Ardmore Municipal Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $5 million, ODAA Share: $250,000, Local Match: $250,000
- Boise City Terminal Construction – Total Project Cost: $891,946, ODAA Share: $250,000, Local Match: $289,195
- Chandler Municipal Airport Perimeter Fencing Construction – Total Project Cost: $400,000, ODAA Share: $380,000, Local Match: $20,000
- Chickasha Municipal Airport Terminal Construction – Total Project Cost: $2,500,000, ODAA Share: $1 million, Local Match: $1.5 million
- Clarence E. Page (Yukon) Airport Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $1,618,813, ODAA Share: $80,905, Local Match: $80,906
- Elk City Regional Airport Jet-A Fuel System Installation – Total Project Cost: $1.387 million, ODAA Share: $500,000, Local Match: $447,200
- Enid Woodring Regional Airport Hangar Construction – Total Project Cost: $2.5 million, ODAA Share: $1 million, Local Match: $1.5 million
- Guymon Municipal Airport Taxiway and Lighting Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $2 million, ODAA Share: $100,000, Local Match: $100,000
- Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport Hangar Construction – Total Project Cost: $2.1 million, ODAA Share: $840,000, Local Match: $110,000
- Skiatook Municipal Airport T-Hangar Apron – Total Project Cost: $879,000, ODAA Share: $835,355, Local Match: $43,965
- Stigler Regional Airport Taxiway Construction – Total Project Cost: $4 million, ODAA Share: $200,000, Local Match: $200,000
- West Woodward Apron Reconstruction – Total Project Cost: $2,595,596, ODAA Share: $129,781, Local Match: $129,781
The above listed infrastructure projects are just examples 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
“Oklahoma’s airport system is vital to local communities and is essential for economic prosperity and the well-being of all Oklahomans,” said Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “As the industry continues to grow, we’ll continue to assess, make recommendations and collaborate with local officials to ensure we’ve got the safest infrastructure and best economic development tools for each community’s needs.”
The Department’s next Commission meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2025. For more information and to access the full meeting packet, visit the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ website at https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace.
