OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (OBV) – A sweeping series of infrastructure and safety upgrades is coming to general aviation airports across Oklahoma, following the approval of 18 projects by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) at its August 21 meeting.
The approved projects, valued at more than $60 million, include major runway improvements, hangar construction, terminal development, and state-backed support for aerospace education programs. Funding will be provided through a mix of federal grants, state support, and local airport sponsorships.
Major Airport Improvements Across the State
Among the most significant investments is a new terminal building at Ardmore Downtown Executive Airport, projected to cost $3.3 million. The FAA will contribute $1.33 million, with ODAA providing $949,097 in state grants and local sponsors covering just over $1 million.
The meeting also approved multiple new hangar projects at airports in El Reno, Fairview, Perry, Skiatook, and Thomas, with hangar sizes ranging from 50’ x 50’ at Perry to 130’ x 90’ at El Reno.
Three large-scale runway projects will further enhance long-term airport infrastructure:
- Pauls Valley Municipal Airport will undergo a full runway reconstruction at an estimated $11.7 million. The FAA is providing $11 million, with the state and local airport each contributing around $293,000.
- Woodward Airport will extend its runway by 500 feet to a new total length of 6,000 feet as part of a $7.4 million project funded primarily through the Legislature’s PREP (Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity) initiative.
- Stroud Municipal Airport will see its runway extended and widened to 4,000’ x 75’, along with upgraded lighting and navigational aids. The $6.7 million project will be funded through a combination of FAA grants, state funds, and local contributions.
Meanwhile, South Lake Regional Airport in Ketchum will receive $6.3 million to construct a parallel taxiway aimed at easing traffic congestion caused by increased usage. FAA funds will cover most of the cost, with ODAA and the local sponsor each contributing $157,000.
Shawnee and Burns Flat Among Supported Sites
ODAA continues to play a key role in supporting airports recovering from natural disasters or requiring technical assistance. At Shawnee Regional Airport, still rebuilding after a 2023 tornado, the agency is helping lead a $1.6 million restoration effort that includes taxilane construction and apron rehabilitation.
At the Oklahoma Air and Space Port in Burns Flat, commissioners approved $6.75 million for the fourth phase of a concrete pavement repair project. The upgrades will improve critical taxiway and apron infrastructure.
All airport projects fall under the ODAA’s Airport Construction Program (ACP), a five-year revolving plan developed with the FAA and local partners to ensure Oklahoma’s airports meet the state’s business, transportation, and economic needs. Project approval remains contingent on the submission of final grant applications.
“The Department is committed to continually building and investing in critical aviation infrastructure in Oklahoma,” said Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of ODAA. “A strong airport system is crucial to local communities and ensuring the success of aerospace commerce across the state.”
Additional Projects Approved
Other airport infrastructure projects approved during the August meeting include:
- Chandler Regional Airport: Perimeter fencing — $337,469
- Fairview Municipal Airport: Three 60’ x 60’ hangars — $1.6 million
- Hinton Municipal Airport: Pavement rehabilitation — $294,275
- McAlester Regional Airport: Taxiway rehabilitation, lighting and NAVAIDs — $2.1 million
- Perry Municipal Airport: Four 50’ x 50’ hangars — $1.26 million
- Skiatook Municipal Airport: 10-unit T-hangar — $935,800; taxilane and apron construction — $907,456
- Thomas Municipal Airport: Two hangars (75’x75’ and 68’x60’) — $1.54 million
- El Reno Regional Airport: New 130’ x 90’ hangar — $1.85 million
$2 Million in Aerospace Education Funding Approved
In addition to infrastructure investments, commissioners approved the FY 2026 aerospace education funding framework, totaling $2 million. The funding is allocated across five categories:
- $824,921 for 102 competitive aerospace and aviation education grants
- $500,000 for Aerospace Classroom Laboratory Improvement Grants
- $204,079 for ODAA-hosted trainings, symposiums, and events
- $271,000 for aerospace competitions and aircraft assembly programs
- $200,000 for an aerospace industry internship initiative
