OKLAHOMA. October 1, 2020 (Biz Republic) — Nearly $16 million in airport construction projects will soon commence across the state after announcement of funding by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced the fourteen grants for Oklahoma airports. The funding from the FAA that was part of the announcement is a mixture of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and CARES Act funding.
The funding will be used for a variety of infrastructure and safety projects across Oklahoma which will include constructing and repairing runways and taxiways, installing airport lighting and signage, conducting airport master plan studies, and installing perimeter fencing. “These grants are critical to the success of our airport infrastructure and driving Oklahoma to be a Top Ten state in aviation and aerospace,” said Governor Kevin Stitt.
“Both nationally and globally, businesses are taking an increased notice in Oklahoma’s industry-friendly environment and pioneering spirit. As we continue to develop our reputation as a fly-to state, this new investment will allow us to invest in critical infrastructure and actively improve our state’s transportation assets with the future of our state, industry, and people in mind.”
A $3.2 million project for runway rehabilitation at Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport is the largest grant included in the project and is expected to begin in October. Ardmore Downtown Executive will receive over $1.7 million to install LED runway lighting, repair the runway pavement, and reconstruct a portion of the parallel taxiway. “As a pilot myself, I know how important maintaining and upgrading Oklahoma’s airports are to the well-being and economic growth of our state,” U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe said.
“Airports are key to economic development in local communities and this announcement of nearly $16 million in funding to invest in Oklahoma’s airports is critical right now. The Trump administration continues to bring relief to Oklahoma communities during these trying times and I look forward to seeing all of the benefits that will come from these important federal investments in Oklahoma.”
The Bristow Jones Memorial Airport opened a new 4,000-foot runway in June. A new grant will now allow planners to focus on turning the old runway into a parallel taxiway that will provide more efficient movement of aircraft after take-offs and landings. Construction will begin in the fall and the project cost is $2.7 million. Ponca City Regional Airport will also begin a project to reconstruct its runway this month.
The $1.1 million grant was that was announced is a piece of the larger $7.5 million project that is one of the biggest single-phase GA airport project ever had in the state. Mid-America Industrial Airport in Pryor will also extend its taxiway for $1.4 million and Seminole Municipal Airport will reconfigure its existing taxiway with an $800,000 grant. Skiatook Municipal Airport will also reconstruct its runway with a $2 million grant.
“Bringing these federal transportation dollars to our airports will help relieve the burden that our aging infrastructure has within the Oklahoma Airport System. Aeronautics has done an amazing job directing the federal funding and matching that with the limited state funds they have, but these grants will strengthen their efforts to improve Oklahoma’s system,” Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz said. “Regional airports connect communities to commerce, and the cities receiving grant funds will be able to leverage these improvements to create job growth and opportunity.”
