Okmulgee Regional Airport Breaks Ground on $2.5 Million Terminal Project

Okmulgee Regional Airport Breaks Ground on $2.5 Million Terminal Project

Okmulgee Regional Airport breaks ground on a new terminal building as state and local leaders launch a more than $2.5 million investment aimed at strengthening aviation infrastructure and economic development in eastern Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, the City of Okmulgee and local leaders gathered for the groundbreaking on the $2,502,775 project, which will replace the airport's terminal and make significant improvements to the surrounding property.

Funding includes $602,775 in federal grant money, $950,000 from the state and another $950,000 in matching funds from the City of Okmulgee.

Okmulgee Regional Airport Breaks Ground on Modern Gateway

The new terminal is designed to provide a modern arrival point for pilots, passengers, business travelers and other visitors to Okmulgee.

Architectural plans call for an aviation-inspired exterior featuring prominent Okmulgee Regional Airport and OKM identification.

The project goes well beyond construction of the terminal itself. Plans include a new asphalt parking lot, sidewalks, improved lighting, water and sewer connections, electric and natural gas service and drainage improvements.

The airport will also receive ADA-accessible improvements, along with new security fencing and a motorized access gate.

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics says the investment is intended to give the airport infrastructure that can better serve businesses, pilots and visitors while supporting economic opportunities for the community.

State aviation records classify Okmulgee Regional Airport, identified as OKM, as a Regional Business Airport. Its primary runway is 5,150 feet long, and state planning documents have identified a new terminal as necessary to better accommodate passengers, pilots and other airport users.

State and City Each Invest $950,000

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Commissioners approved the state's $950,000 investment during their July 15 meeting.

The City of Okmulgee is matching that amount with another $950,000.

State Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden, said the partnership demonstrates what can happen when local communities invest in infrastructure and the state provides additional support.

For rural communities, regional airports can play an important role beyond passenger travel. They can provide access for businesses, corporate aviation, emergency operations and economic development prospects that might otherwise be more difficult to attract.

The state's Airport Construction Program identifies airport development projects across Oklahoma and uses anticipated state and federal funding levels to plan infrastructure improvements.

Previous planning documents for Okmulgee specifically cited the potential expansion of existing companies and attraction of new businesses as part of the justification for improving terminal facilities.

Okmulgee Mayor Mickey Baldwin said the airport is also an important first impression of the city for people arriving by air. He said the city's investment reflects confidence in the airport and the opportunities it could create for the community.

Okmulgee Airport Terminal Construction Planned for 365 Days

Construction of the Okmulgee airport terminal is planned as a 365-calendar-day project.

Early work will focus on demolition, grading and drainage, followed by utility work, road and parking lot construction, sidewalks and the terminal foundation. Vertical construction of the new building will follow.

The investment is part of Oklahoma's broader effort to improve community airports and maintain an aviation network capable of supporting business and transportation needs across the state.

The state's official Okmulgee Regional Airport profile shows the airport currently supports both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft and provides 100LL and Jet A+ fuel. The airport does not have a control tower but does have an automated weather observation system and an instrument landing system-equipped runway.

For Okmulgee, the new terminal represents more than a replacement building. With federal, state and local governments combining resources for the project, officials are positioning the airport as infrastructure that can help keep the community connected while creating additional opportunities for business development and long-term economic growth.

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