The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics has approved funding for several airport construction projects, as well as educational initiatives at schools across the state.
Airport Construction Grants Approved
During the Oct. 9, 2024, meeting, the commission approved several grants to fund airport construction projects across the state, including:
- Enid Woodring Regional Airport: The commission approved a grant to fund the construction of a taxi lane, with a total project cost of $1,343,730. The project will be financed through $850,000 in federal funds, $426,542.50 in state grants, and $67,187.50 in local matching funds.
- Watonga Regional Airport: A project to construct a partial parallel taxiway and apron on the west side of the airport to open up 40 acres of developable property was approved, with a total cost of $1,536,812. This will be funded by $776,230 in federal grants, $683,741 in state grants, and $76,841 in local matching funds.
- William R. Pogue Airport (Sand Springs): The commission green lit a state grant for the installation of a Jet-A fuel system at the airport. The project’s total cost is $563,124.48, with half funded by state grants and the other half by local sponsor matching funds.
Aerospace Education Funding
The commission also awarded more than $300,000 in classroom lab improvement grants to institutions across the state. These funds will be used to develop or improve laboratory facilities dedicated to aviation and aerospace programs, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.
Schools awarded funding include:
- Altus High School: $40,000
- Bridge Creek High School: $10,000
- Burns Flat Dill City High School: $10,000
- Durant High School: $37,000
- Jenks High School: $38,500
- Konawa High School: $13,500
- Oklahoma Baptist University: $27,500
- Perry High School: $22,900
- Putnam City Aviation Academy: $40,000
- Stillwater High School: $20,000
- Weatherford High School: $10,000
- Wright City High School: $32,000
“These grants will give students across Oklahoma the resources they need to engage in meaningful aerospace education,” said Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager. “By investing in school laboratories and aviation programs, we are not only preparing our students for future careers but also securing Oklahoma’s future as a leader in aerospace.”
“The ODAA Classroom Lab Development Grant will allow more of our aviation students the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiences through the use of flight simulators,” said Doug Gunselman, Weatherford Public Schools. “It will also provide us flexibility with our classroom space as our aviation program continues to grow.”
For more information: Oklahoma.gov/Aerospace