Thomas Galloway

This Airport Construction Program (ACP) outlines the programming of federal and state funds for airport development, aligning with the goals of the Oklahoma Airport System Plan (OASP) to enhance the statewide airport system, promote aeronautical safety, and coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration. The program prioritizes the identification and sequencing of major 'big rock projects' alongside smaller initiatives, ensuring strategic allocation of resources for airport improvements, including infrastructure development, safety enhancements, and capacity expansion across the state of Oklahoma.

The meeting included the introduction of a new commissioner, Bob Baker. Key discussions involved the financial report, noting significant year-to-date expenditures compared to the previous year, and a detailed review of recurring revenue figures, which showed a decrease compared to the prior year, partly attributed to comparing against record excise tax collections from the previous December. One-time funds, including PREP funds and legislative directed projects, were reviewed, showing expenditures and encumbrances. The commission also considered and approved the adoption of permanent administrative rules for the airport construction program, which included removing state participation limits on certain projects and increasing the director's authority limit on change orders. Finally, several airport construction grant and design phase approvals were considered, including hangar construction at El Reno Regional Airport and a major airport optimization task at another location.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new commissioner appointed by the Oklahoma State Senate. Key discussions involved the election of officers for 2026, with nominations for chairman, vice chair, and secretary put forth. A legislative and regulatory update was provided, noting a minimal state legislative agenda focused on the merger with OSIA and ODA, and discussing potential federal budget scenarios including Continuing Resolutions (CRs) and their impact on FAA grant cycles. The commission then addressed several action items related to airport construction grant program change orders, including adjustments for projects at Frederick Regional Airport, South Grand Lake Regional Airport, and West Woodward (terminal building and large box hanger). Approval was sought for an amendment related to phase two of the pavement rehabilitation at Clinton Sherman, funded by OIDA prep funds. Finally, the body reviewed the proposed addition of five projects to the five-year airport construction program, including hangar construction at Cherokee Municipal and C Page, and the inclusion of the Durant Regional air traffic control tower project.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call. Key agenda items included the approval of the minutes from the August 11 Commission Meeting, which involved extensive discussion regarding grants. The introduction of the new chief airport engineer, Mr. Kelly Fincannon, who brings decades of experience, was a significant event. The Director's report covered numerous activities, such as meetings with the Oklahoma City Chamber to discuss legislative priorities, the groundbreaking event for the Global Transportation Industrial Park in Ardmore, and participation in the Tinkering and Primes Conference focusing on workforce needs related to Tinker Air Force Base. The Director also detailed meetings concerning the landlocked Atoka Airport's potential relocation, a meeting with the FAA Airports Office to plan for the next five years, and engagements with the Oklahoma Municipal League regarding legislative items. Further activities involved discussions on UAS/AAM collaboration during the AUVSI conference and discussions with the Oklahoma Mesonet regarding weather observation data partnership. The committee also held its first OMACAMP Steering Committee meeting virtually to address tall structures and military/private sector interaction.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included the announcement of compliance with the Open Meeting Act and the introduction of a new Commissioner for the 3rd Congressional District. Financial reports and legislative/regulatory updates were presented for information only. The Commission considered action on approving recommended changes to the agency's administrative rules for Title 25, Chapter 15. Significant agenda items involved the Airport Construction Grant Program, including considering approvals for state grants for hangar construction at El Reno Regional Airport and runway/taxiway improvements at the University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport. The agenda also covered approving design costs for terminal/FBO hangar rehabilitation at William R Pogue Municipal Airport, approving contracts for pavement investigation and management system updates/training at Clinton-Sherman Airport, and reviewing updates on the PREP Fund, 5010 inspections, the Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act, and Wind Energy Development Act compliance. The meeting also included updates on the 2025 Airport Construction Program, UAS activities, and aerospace education programs. A possible executive session was scheduled to discuss confidential communications regarding litigation.