South Grand Lake Regional Airport Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Terminal, Hangar, and Taxiway
KETCHUM, Okla. – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and South Grand Lake Regional Airport (SGLRA) celebrated the next steps for several much-anticipated improvement projects with a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. On the slate for upgrades at the northeastern Oklahoma airport are a new terminal, a hangar, and a parallel taxiway.
SGLRA's improvements are part of a multi-phase effort over the next five years to upgrade the Craig County-based airport. The projects are programmed and funded by the ODAA Airport Construction Program (ACP), a five-year revolving program plan that has been a long-standing practice of the agency, but was codified in state law during the 2025 legislative session. The purpose of the evolving ACP is to enhance air transportation project planning for the state, the FAA, and airport sponsors. This programming process aims to anticipate airport funding needs and schedules through multi-year planning. This is the process by which the department fulfills its mandate to create a system of airports that meets the business, transportation, and commercial needs of communities across the state.
The cost for all three projects totals about $12.3 million. The construction of the terminal and hangar will cost just over $6 million and will be primarily funded by legislatively directed funds through ODAA. The taxiway project is planned to cost about $6.3 million, with the majority being funded with $6 million from the FAA, and about $314,000 in matching funds being split between ODAA and the local airport sponsor.
The airport’s existing terminal building lacks sufficient room and facilities to accommodate waiting passengers, pilots, and other airport visitors. The first phase of SGLRA’s improvement plan includes constructing a new 3,800-square-foot terminal building to welcome guests with updated facilities and comfortable amenities to showcase a grand front door to the south grand lake community. The 12,000-square-foot commercial hangar development is part of a statewide effort to increase revenue-generating aircraft storage facilities at airports across Oklahoma.
Rounding out the initial improvements is the construction of a partial parallel taxiway to serve the airport’s north/south runway as they continue to see increased business aviation traffic. The new taxiway will improve safety and efficiency for users of the airport.
“SGLRA’s construction projects are expected to be a springboard for economic expansion in the region with continued progress extending to the rest of the northeast Oklahoma region”, said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “Supporting pro-growth aviation acts as a force multiplier. As our airports continue to improve and grow, the community flourishes and commerce thrives, magnifying the positive effects throughout Oklahoma’s broader economy.”
These current projects are forecasted to support significant growth and additional aviation demand well into the next decade. Other projects in the plan include relocating the county road around the runway end to allow more usable runway, installing a new runway lighting system, water/wastewater upgrades, and other industrial development.
“South Grand Lake’s steady growth and drive have been extraordinary,” said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair. “As we focus on these projects over the next 12 months and plan for future improvements, it’s clear the airport will remain a significant economic engine as it will foster new business development and expand work opportunities within the area.”
The land that houses SGLRA was officially designated “Brent Howard Field” in June 2024. The field is named after local community leader S. Brent Howard, who was instrumental in creating the airport’s managing authority and establishing the SGLRA as a Title 60 Public Trust.
“The foresight of Brent and other trustees has really helped get the ball rolling and taken us from a grass strip and a pole barn in a field to what you see today,” said Jim Brown, SGLRA director. “Now, with the support from Dir. Ardies, the ODAA Commission, and the State Legislature, we’re going to continue growing and improving South Grand Lake Regional Airport for years to come.”
“I could not be prouder of this airport board and its pilot community. Their efforts are a fantastic step towards making transportation easier for everyone in northeast Oklahoma and boosting our region’s infrastructure. This is so important for our residents, visitors, and the local economy. It’s all part of a bigger plan to keep our area competitive, connect our communities to opportunities, and prepare for future growth,” said Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita.
Over 20 years after the Public Trust was formed, the airport’s footprint has more than doubled to 125 acres. The airport assets include a lighted 75-foot by 4,700-foot runway with instrument approaches, automated weather reporting, an approach lighting system, and a fueling system. Eighteen hangars have been built on-site, with one currently under construction.