All eyes will be on the sky ahead of the Fourth of July holiday in Bristow, as a new airport runway is officially opened for business.
The City of Bristow, in partnership with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Federal Aviation Administration, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will hold a special runway opening and dedication ceremony at the Bristow Jones Memorial Airport at 9 a.m., Friday, June 26, 2020.
Weather permitting, the celebration will be launched in the sky with the roar of airplanes and a special flag ceremony. Also flying in to the event will be U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, who was instrumental in securing critical funding for the runway improvements.
State and local leaders expected to also attend the ceremony include Governor Kevin Stitt, Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz, Secretary of Commerce Sean Kouplen, State Director of Aeronautics Victor Bird and Bristow Mayor Rick Pinson. Bump Grant, Vice President of MRO for Consolidated Turbine Specialists (CTS), will share remarks on the potential impacts the new runway will have on CTS and other businesses operating at the airport.
Construction on the $3.8 million project began in 2018 for the new 4,000 ft. by 75 ft. runway, which is 621 feet longer and 15 feet wider than the old, outdated runway. It is located just east of the existing runway and was made possible through a $3.5 million federal grant and other state grant and local matching funds. The new runway is expected to bring increased aviation traffic and maintenance support to the region.
Bristow Jones Memorial Airport Runway Dedication
24495 S. 385th W. Ave., Bristow
Friday, June 26, 2020
9-10:30 a.m.
(Editors and News Directors – Media is encouraged to arrive early and be in place ahead of the 9 a.m. photo op capturing Senator Inhofe’s landing as the first on the new runway)
Media Contacts:
Terri Angier
O: (405) 521-6004
C: (405) 919-6004
tangier@odot.org
Jack Damrill
O: (405) 425-3610
C: (405) 206-0005
jdamrill@pikepass.com