Thomas Galloway

This document outlines the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics' Airport Construction Program (ACP) for FY 2027-2031. The program serves as a roadmap for programming federal and state funds for airport development, aligning with the long-term planning goals of the Oklahoma Airport System Plan (OASP). It focuses on identifying and sequencing significant airport development projects, termed 'big rock projects,' alongside smaller initiatives. Key priorities include enhancing airport safety and standards, meeting aviation demand through infrastructure development like hangars and terminal buildings, pavement management, and regional business airport development. The program aims to ensure a robust and accessible statewide airport system.

The meeting agenda included compliance announcements for the Open Meeting Act, the call to order, and the approval of the minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting. Key discussions involved receiving a financial report and legislative/regulatory updates. A significant portion was dedicated to the Airport Construction Grant Program, including briefings and considerations for approving change orders for projects at Okemah Municipal Airport and Clinton-Sherman Airport (Burns Flat), and approving amendments for grants concerning Jet A fuel system installation at William R Pogue Airport (Sand Springs). The Commission considered approving amendments to the Five-Year Airport Construction Program (FY2026-2030) to add projects at Ardmore Municipal, Clinton-Sherman, and OKC Will Rogers International Airports. Further action was required to approve state grants for projects at OKC Will Rogers International and Tahlequah Municipal Airports, and a PREP Fund grant for Ardmore Municipal Airport. Authorization for contracts for pavement rehabilitation at Clinton Sherman Airport was also on the agenda. The Commission received a briefing on recommendations for the FY2027-2031 Airport Construction Program, requiring it to move into the public comment phase. Other items included considering an amendment for the Aircraft Engine Test Cell Grant in Bristow and approving a partnership with Tulsa Innovation Labs for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Infrastructure Investment Program. The agenda concluded with updates on education programs and a discussion and possible action regarding an executive session to discuss the resignation of the Director of Government Affairs, Industry Development and Communications.

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.