The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission has issued its draft proposal of projects for the next five years. This is essentially a capital improvement plan for airports around the state similar to the plan cities create for their own infrastructure projects. The plan is in its public comment window, which will close May 5.
Watonga’s airport is on the list for construction of a taxi way and apron on the west side of the airport. The state’s plan indicates this is initial development and land preparation for not just the area for airplanes to taxi but also to open the area for additional development such as facilities and new hangars.
The project would include design in 2024, with FAA funding of $304,000 and non-primary entitlement from the same agency of $388,530. An airport in Oklahoma can receive up to $150,000 of those funds annually and bank them for up to four years so that they can construct larger more expensive projects.
However, the money designated for this project are either from state apportionment from the FAA or discretionary funding, which varies year to year.
The next year, fiscal year 2025, indicates the aeronautics commission would allocate $500,000 for the project with an additional $102,000 coming from an unnamed sponsor. It is unclear whether that sponsor is the city, the state or another funding entity.
The total cost of the projects is estimated at $1,295,530 and its goal is to improve safety, achieve airport standards and increase airport capacity.
Federal grants require 10% matching funds while state grants require 5% matching funds. Commission funding is dependent on availability of state funds.
Those who wish to comment on the draft proposal should write the commission at Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, 110 N Robinson Ave., Suite 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73102.