Listen to this articleOKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission on Wednesday approved more than $865,000 in state grants for construction projects at two airports.
The projects are identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at airports in Altus and Purcell. Approval of the construction is contingent on ODAA receiving an acceptable grant application, according to a commission meeting agenda packet.
AvGas and Jet-A fuel systems are planned for Altus Quartz Mountain Regional Airport. Based on bids, the total project cost is a little more than $1.1 million, funded by $495,360 in federal grant money, $550,400 in state grant funds and $55,040 from a sponsor match.
A runway at the Purcell Municipal Airport will get surface rehabilitation, which ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies said is much needed. The cost of $331,341 will be funded through with $314,773 in state grand funds with a $16,568 sponsor match.
“This is to extend the life of the pavement, as well as fix a little bit of the north-end taxiway leading to the runway, which has been a standards challenge that they’ve had for many years,” Ardies said.
The commission approved both projects unanimously. It also approved education program framework for FY 2025 during the three-hour meeting.
Last year, the commission heard the agency’s framework for aero-related education using various pots of money. Ardies said the near $2 million program will be funded through $1 million in appropriations from the state legislature and the budget approval, along with about $1 million in aviation taxes and fees revenue. ODAA received $72 million from the Oklahoma Legislature for FY 2025, a $61 million increase year-over-year.
The commission unanimously approved five educational programs Wednesday: competitive aerospace and aviation education program grants at $732,000, the Aerospace Classroom Laboratory Improvement Grant Program at $300,000, ODAA hosted or partnered education events and trainings, including multiple student flight days, the Oklahoma UAS Teacher Training and Awareness Conference, Oklahoma AERO Education Training and Professional Development Symposium, multiple Girls in Aviation events and Oklahoma Teacher Simulator Training at $225,000, STEM Aerospace and Aviation Competitions and Aircraft Assembly programs at $500,000, and an ODAA Aerospace Industry Internship Program at $200,000.
Ardies said the agency thought it was important to double down on the laboratory program for FY 2025.
“We had some great applicants that were able to improve their classrooms this summer for the schools and the students coming to start school here either this week or in the couple of following weeks,” Ardies said.
The agency has increased discussions about drone racing leagues, building competitions and autonomous robotics challenges. Ardies said the $500,000 will adequately fund those, and once all the details are confirmed, ODAA will notify the commission with the specific awardees and their respective award amounts.
The commission also approved four aerospace and aviation-related competitions and events: staff recommended $7,500 for the FIRST Robotics Competition – OK Season, which is designed for grades seven through 12, $10,500 for KISS Robotics to implement their Botball and Junior Botball programs for K-12, $5,000 for the Oklahoma Science & Engineering Foundation First Lego League, and $19,650 for Oklahoma State University Speedfest, a high-speed aircraft design, build and fly competition intended to foster enthusiasm for aviation and aerospace.
Camps and workshops for Cameron University, Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator, Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport, Metro Technology Center, Ponca City Regional Airport, Rose State College, Route 66 Flight School Foundation, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, True Sky Credit Union Foundation / Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Tulsa Community College and University of Oklahoma Sooner Flight Academy.
