Three Oklahoma airports get $1.3 million in capital improvement grants
June 29-- Three Oklahoma airports, including Muskogee's Davis Field, have been awarded $1.3 million in capital improvement grants from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, state officials said Thursday.
Davis Field will receive a $500,000 grant from the commission to replace its terminal building at a cost of $1,135,800, officials said. The city of Muskogee will provide $635,800 in matching funds for the project.
"Making sure that our public airports meet the needs of businesses using our airports and that they are safe are priorities for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission," said OAC Director Victor Bird. "Businesses these days come calling on an aircraft, not a bus. This terminal, along with its runway, will make the airport Muskogee's front door to the world."
State officials said the new, larger terminal will provide many of the features found in major airport terminals, such as a public reception area, modern restrooms, administrative offices, a conference room for public use, pilot flight planning facilities, a weather briefing area and a kitchen or vending area.
The aeronautics commission also approved a $400,000 capital improvement grant for the city of Perry.
The grant will pay part of the cost of the rehabilitation of the runway at Perry Municipal Airport. The city will provide $44,444 in matching funds for the project.
State officials said the runway surface is cracking due to age and weathering, and it will need an overlay to extend the life of the pavement.
The city of Guymon will receive a $400,000 grant from the OAC to rehabilitate taxiways, taxilanes and aprons within the T-hangar area at Guymon Regional Airport. The city's share of the project is $44,444, officials said.
State officials said the rehabilitation project is needed because of significant deterioration of pavements that could lead to damaged aircraft or engines from loose rock and gravel.
D.R. Stewart 918-581-8451
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