ODAA Announces Proposed Airport Infrastructure Investments, Approves Education Grants at March Commission Meeting

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) Commission has unveiled a landmark $505 million investment plan to improve the state’s aviation infrastructure and bolster its workforce through new education and internship grants totaling nearly $450,000.

Announced during the March Commission meeting, the FY2027-2031 Airport Construction Program (ACP) includes 95 pro-growth development projects at airports across the state that are a part of the total 176 projects designed to strengthen Oklahoma’s role as a national leader in aerospace commerce. The plan, developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local airport sponsors will enter a public comment period starting April 1, 2026, before final review and approval in May. This ACP invests $505 million with $149 million coming from ODAA, $292 million from the FAA, and $64 million of local matching funds.

“By prioritizing this strategic development, we aren’t just maintaining runways; we are building the foundation for Oklahoma’s future economic competitiveness,” said ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies. “Modernizing our airport facilities ensures that our state remains a top-tier destination for aerospace commerce, corporate investment, and job creation.”

Airport Infrastructure Upgrades
The Commission reviewed and approved grants for improvements at the following airports:

• Ardmore Municipal Airport – This project involves installing and connecting utilities for the development of a new air cargo facility on the airport’s cargo apron. This $1.86 million project is funded by the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) fund, a Legislative initiative created in 2022 to spur rural economic growth.
• Clinton-Sherman Airport – Phase five of the airside rehabilitation continues efforts to address the airport’s aging pavement. The $3.9 million project will be funded with $1 million of FAA grant funds and $2.9 million from the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority’s PREP funds.
• Tahlequah Municipal Airport – The project consists of constructing a taxilane and relocating the Automated Weather Observing System AWOS. The total project cost is about $1.13 million to be funded with $1.07 million of state grant funds and $56,000 of sponsor matching funds.
• Will Rogers International Airport – This is a $7.6 million project to construct Taxilane G2 north of Taxiway G. This infrastructure is vital for hangar development and the expansion of aviation industrial activities. Funding includes $3 million from the state’s pro-growth aviation appropriations and more than $4.6 million in matching funds from the Oklahoma City Airport Trust.

“We are proud to invest in the future of Oklahoma’s airports,” said ODAA Airports Division Manager Nick Young. “In this iteration of the ACP, our focus remains on building the nation’s safest, most efficient airport system. These projects are catalysts for economic growth and community sustainability, driving long-term benefits across the state.”

For more information on the Oklahoma Airport System or to view the full Airport Construction Program, visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace. All public comments should be emailed to airports@aerospace.ok.gov.

Investing in the Next Generation
In addition to physical infrastructure, the Commission approved nearly $300,000 in funding for the development and improvement of aerospace and aviation classroom labs at schools across the state. The following schools received grants: Burns Flat – Dill City High School, Chouteau-Mazie High School, Cushing High School, El Reno High School, Haworth High School, Jenks High School, Tupelo High School, and Watonga High School.

The Commission also approved nearly $150,000 to fund 11 aerospace and aviation internship grants as part of a pilot program the agency has initiated which will assist with paid internships and apprenticeships at small airports and aerospace companies within the state. This program provides up to 50% of the costs for the intern or apprentice and aims to bridge the skills gap by allowing high school juniors, seniors, and collegiate students to work side-by-side with industry professionals.

Aerospace Education Update
Applications for the 2026-2027 Aviation Education Grants are currently open, with a deadline of May 31, 2026. These grants support K-12 and post-secondary programs focusing on STEM, drone building, and pilot training. Oklahoma currently leads the nation in aviation education, with 149 schools implementing the AOPA “You Can Fly” curriculum. Grant applications are available under Aero Education at oklahoma.gov/aerospace.

The Commission also recognized Westmoore High School for winning the inaugural Oklahoma High School State Aviation Championship held in February at Tulsa Community College. By defeating 68 teams at the competition sponsored by ODAA and FlightSafety International, the Jaguars highlighted the state’s national leadership in aviation education and its commitment to building a “classroom to cockpit” aerospace workforce.

UAS/AAM Infrastructure Funding
Finally, the Commission approved a strategic partnership with Tulsa Innovation Labs to support their Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA) program. The agreement authorizes a $2 million investment in radar infrastructure, utilizing Department funds designated for Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Advanced Air Mobility. This agreement marks a significant step in developing reliable, high-tech infrastructure needed to support the future of autonomous aerospace in Oklahoma.

Next Meeting
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the ODOT First Floor Commission Room, 200 Northeast 21st Street in Oklahoma City.