Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ FY 2025-2029 Five-Year Airport Construction Program Approved

By Katelyn Wade
Investing $342 Million in Federal, State and Local Funds Over the Next Five Years
The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission met on May 29, 2024, to discuss and approve significant initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s aviation and aerospace infrastructure. The Commission took action and approved the Department’s proposed FY 2025-2029 Five-Year Airport Construction Program (ACP), a strategic initiative which is set to invest $342 Million in Federal, State and Local Funds across the Oklahoma Airport System over the next five years. This plan aims to enhance airport facilities, support 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 in developing the ACP. During the nearly hour-long presentation, Commissioners reviewed each new project slated for inclusion as well as amendments to existing projects in the FY 2025-2029 Five-Year ACP. Following the review, Commissioners unanimously approved the programming of project funds aimed at enhancing the state’s airport infrastructure.
Major Projects and Grants:
In addition to approving the Five-Year ACP the Commission also awarded two grants for infrastructure projects that will start construction this summer. Both projects up for consideration were approved using preserving rural economic prosperity (PREP) funds that the Legislature approved in the fall of 2022.
Tulsa International Airport Grant: A substantial grant was approved for constructing a new air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control facility. This project, with a total cost of $111,597,773, will be funded through a combination of $52.5 million in federal funds, $16 million in PREP funds, and nearly $40 million in sponsor matching or other local funds.
Ardmore Municipal Airport Grant: The Commission approved $2,269,099 in PREP funds for constructing the south air cargo apron at Ardmore Municipal Airport, a critical infrastructure project supporting the region’s economic development growth opportunities.
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 52 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.
- Alva Taxiway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,033,884, ODAA Share: $183,358, Local Match: $183,359
- Ardmore Downtown Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,323,000, ODAA Share: $500,000, Local Match: $632,300
- Durant Eaker Field Apron Expansion – Total Project Cost: $3,500,000, ODAA Share: $175,000, Local Match: $175,000
- El Reno Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $100,000
- Enid Woodring Apron Expansion – Total Project Cost: $2,250,000, ODAA Share: $112,500, Local Match: $112,500
- Guthrie/Edmond Taxiway Development Area – Total Project Cost: $1,936,300, ODAA Share: $900,000, Local Match: $146,300
- Haliburton Field (Duncan) Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $9,000,000, ODAA Share: $450,000, Local Match: $450,000
- Hobart Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $200,000, Local Match: $200,000
- Max Westheimer (Norman) Air Traffic Control Tower – Total Project Cost: $11,745,000, ODAA Share: $637,250, Local Match: $637,250
- Mid-America (Pryor) Runway Extension & Strengthening – Total Project Cost: $6,000,000, ODAA Share: $300,000, Local Match: $300,000
- Muskogee Davis Field Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $200,000, Local Match: $200,000
- Pauls Valley Runway Reconstruction – Total Project Cost: $5,280,000, ODAA Share: $264,000, Local Match: $264,000
- Ponca City Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $4,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $3,000,000
- Seminole Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $1,000,000
- Stillwater Terminal Building – Total Project Cost: $5,200,000, ODAA Share: $1,000,000, Local Match: $1,200,000
- Thomas Runway Rehabilitation – Total Project Cost: $2,000,000, ODAA Share: $100,000, Local Match: $100,000
- Weatherford Stafford Taxiway Development Area – Total Project Cost: $1,607,000, ODAA Share: $900,000, Local Match: $113,000
The above listed infrastructure projects are just an example 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
"Our state’s airport system is the backbone of Oklahoma’s economic vitality and overall prosperity. When our airports flourish, they drive economic development, enhance connectivity, and significantly improve the quality of life for our businesses and residents," said Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
Legislative and Regulatory Update:
Executive Director Grayson Ardies and Sandra Shelton, Director of Government Affairs, Communications, and Industry Development briefed the Commission on current legislative and regulatory developments. Key issues discussed included the long-term Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization that Congressed recently passed which provided sound public policy which will impact airports, aviation, and aerospace industries for the next five years as well as agency legislative initiatives that were enacted during the 2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session.
Education Initiatives:
Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager, provided an update on various educational programs and school visits aimed at promoting aerospace and aviation careers among students. Highlights included the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Program and numerous school and higher education institution visits.
Aerospace Week, Aero Day at the Capitol, and Community Outreach and Events:
Sandra Shelton provided an overview of the agency’s successful 2024 Aerospace Week and Aero Day at the Capitol events held from April 1-5 in Oklahoma City, celebrating the state's vibrant aerospace industry and engaging with policymakers and the public.
Katelyn Wade, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, reported on recent community outreach efforts and events, including groundbreaking ceremonies at Will Rogers World Airport for a large MRO hangar to support AAR Corporation’s expanded maintenance lines, Mid-America Industrial Airport’s new Terminal, Miami Regional Airport’s new Terminal, and a new Terminal and large box Hangar at Elk City’s Regional Business Airport.
Lake Texoma State Park Airport:
The Commission discussed the future of the Lake Texoma State Park Airport (F31) after receiving a request from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to close the Airport. After evaluating several options and discussing the best course of action for the overall airport system, the Commission voted to initiate the process to close and remove the airport from the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for July 10, 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