Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission Approves Funding to Support New Non-Stop Flights and Improve Aviation Classrooms at Schools Across the State

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics concluded its October 9, 2024, Commission meeting by approving significant funding for statewide airport construction projects, new non-stop flight incentives for OKC Will Rogers International Airport and educational initiatives designed to improve the aviation classroom laboratory environment at schools across the state. These investments reflect the Department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Oklahoma’s aviation infrastructure and fostering aerospace education for future generations.

Airport Construction Grants Approved
During the meeting, the Commission approved several substantial grants to fund critical airport construction projects across Oklahoma. These projects will enhance airport infrastructure, boost local economies, and improve aviation safety and operations.

• Enid Woodring Regional Airport: The Commission approved a grant to fund the construction of a taxilane, with a total project cost of $1,343,730. The project will be financed through $850,000 in federal funds, $426,542.50 in state grants, and $67,187.50 in local matching funds.
• Watonga Regional Airport: A project to construct a partial parallel taxiway and apron on the west side of the airport to open up 40 acres of developable property was approved, with a total cost of $1,536,812. This will be funded by $776,230 in federal grants, $683,741 in state grants, and $76,841 in local matching funds.
• William R. Pogue Airport (Sand Springs): The Commission greenlit a state grant for the installation of a Jet A fuel system at the airport. The project’s total cost is $563,124.48, with half funded by state grants and the other half by local sponsor matching funds.

New Non-Stop Commercial Flight Incentives

The Commission also approved a $2 million grant to support the OKC Will Rogers World Airport and the Oklahoma City Economic Alliance’s initiative to garner new commercial air service for one or more potential new routes including San Francisco, San Diego, Washington Dulles, Boston, or a destination in Mexico. This grant award is a part of the Department’s Commercial Air Service Development Program designed to support potential new non-stop flights for the state’s commercial airports and funded through the Oklahoma Legislature’s PREP fund that was passed in the fall of 2022. 

“These airport projects are not only critical to improving aviation infrastructure but also in supporting economic growth across Oklahoma’s communities,” said Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “By investing in our airports, whether for infrastructure or for new non-stop flights, we’re ensuring they remain key drivers for local and state economies, while enhancing safety and operational capabilities.”

“The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics today approved our grant application for the Oklahoma Air Service Development Grant Program. This will help Oklahoma City Airports attract more air service for our growing community, said Jeff Mulder, A.A.E., Director of Airports, Oklahoma City/OKC Airport Trust. “We appreciate the partnership and support from the ODAA, the State of Oklahoma and the Economic Alliance of Oklahoma City for making this happen. This air service fund will be offered to airlines as an incentive to start new service on targeted routes from OKC Will Rogers International Airport.”

Aerospace Education Funding

The Commission reinforced its commitment to aerospace education by awarding over $300,000 in classroom lab improvement grants to institutions across the state. These funds will be used to develop or improve laboratory facilities dedicated to aviation and aerospace programs, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in this critical field. The schools awarded funding include:

• Altus High School: $40,000
• Bridge Creek High School: $10,000
• Burns Flat Dill City High School: $10,000
• Durant High School: $37,000
• Jenks High School: $38,500
• Konawa High School: $13,500
• Oklahoma Baptist University: $27,500
• Perry High School: $22,900
• Putnam City Aviation Academy: $40,000
• Stillwater High School: $20,000
• Weatherford High School: $10,000
• Wright City High School: $32,000

“These grants will give students across Oklahoma the resources they need to engage in meaningful aerospace education,” said Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager. “By investing in school laboratories and aviation programs, we are not only preparing our students for future careers but also securing Oklahoma’s future as a leader in aerospace.”

“We are so excited to be selected for the ODAA Classroom Laboratory Improvement Grant,” said Denise Hensley, Putnam City Aviation. “It will allow us to finish our Aviation space with new flooring and paint. Our students will be able to learn in a facility that is as excellent as our program.”

“The ODAA Classroom Lab Development Grant will allow more of our aviation students the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiences through the use of flight simulators,” said Doug Gunselman, Weatherford Public Schools. “It will also provide us flexibility with our classroom space as our aviation program continues to grow.”

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2024. For more information and to access the full meeting packet, visit the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ website at https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace.