OKLAHOMA ALLOCATES $2 MILLION FOR AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE; RUNWAY PROJECT COMPLETED

On June 15, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a general appropriations bill that included $2 million for the state’s airports to help pay for infrastructure upgrades. The funds will be used to help meet the demand for the construction of new hangars at multiple airports and potentially stimulate additional economic development initiatives. Oklahoma’s aviation industry generates $44 billion in economic activity annually. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission is anticipating further appropriations in the coming years to continue the growth and expansion of the industry around the state.

Also in Oklahoma, reconstruction of the Ponca City Regional Airport (PNC) Runway 17/35 was completed on July 13. The total resurfacing of the 7,200-foot runway included milling and replacing the surface as well as grading the sides to correct drainage issues. New lights and signage were installed as well. The $8.1 million project was begun in September 2020 and is expected to extend the airport’s usefulness for another 40 years.