Sep. 2—Construction on the 12,783-square-foot t-hangar at the Claremore Regional Airport has landed.
Claremore Regional Airport, Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority and Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of the new 10-unit t-hangar building with a ribbon cutting.
"This project is the result of high regional interest in demand, with all spots ... being reserved within less than an hour of the announcement of construction," CIEDA Executive Director Meggie Froman-Knight said.
The cost of the project was $800,000, which is under the estimated cost of $900,000-$1 million. The project was awarded in the summer of 2021 to Vexus Contracting LLC.
This is the first city-owned t-hangar to be constructed since 2005.
Claremore Airport Manager Eric Winn said they were able to overcome challenges like weather and the contractor maintaining a workforce due to COVID.
"A primary goal of our team at Claremore Regional Airport is to maintain high quality facilities, competitive fuel prices and top tier infrastructure for both our tenants and guests," Winn said. "The completion of this T hangar and upcoming improvement projects for the airport strategic plan, we' " remain northeast Oklahoma's premier Regional Airport destination."
With the construction of the new t-hangar complete, the airport is a 94-unit facility.
Winn said the sky is the limit and he can't wait to see what the future holds.
Winn has worked at the airport for the past 13 years and has seen a variety of projects take place.
"None are quite as exciting as the ones that allow growth and expansion of our facilities and additional resources for Northeast Oklahoma as aviation enthusiasts," he said.
CIEDA Chairman Brian Green said this facility serves as a driver for Northeast Oklahoma and impacts tourism and the quality of life.
"It is our hope these facilities continue to grow and serve as a hub for our community and aerospace sector," Green said.
Green said 40 acres was acquired in 2019 for future development. He said they are in the process of updating the strategic plan to focus on aviation.
"We're currently working on plans to expand offerings providing a premier location for aviation enthusiasts across northeast Oklahoma to safely and affordably house aircraft," he said.
Green said housing has been a challenge with many people on a waiting list for hangar space.
"This is a very desired place to hangar your airplane and call home," he said.
Winn said he gets calls every week from people looking for hangar space.
Another project is getting ready to take flight at the airport: apron rehabilitation project.
The apron rehabilitation project is estimated to cost $1,080,000 and includes replacing 23,900-square yards of 2- to 3-inch asphalt.
The Federal Aviation Administration will pay 90 percent of the project costs and CIEDA/City will pay 10 percent.
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