The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and Okemah Municipal Airport celebrated the opening of the airport’s two newly-built hangars on Sept. 17 with a ribbon-cutting and reception.
Okemah’s hangar construction is part of an ODAA-led effort to increase revenue- generating storage space at airports and increase aviation business growth opportunities. The Statewide Hangar Grant Program, created in 2022, was designed to address an ongoing shortage of hangar space around the state.
ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies specifically noted the airport’s location as an important factor in attracting business to the airport and cultivating growth in the community.
“Situated along the I-40 corridor just east of Oklahoma City, Okemah Municipal is an ideal spot for small, general aviation aircraft activity in the state,” said Ardies. “The addition of these new hangars is just one more reason for aviation businesses to set up shop here. We’re dedicated to continuing pro-growth aviation infrastructure and determined to make continued improvements to Okemah as we support all of our communities within Oklahoma’s airport system.”
Okemah’s latest upgrades were originally presented in 2022 as part of a request for project funding in the ODAA’s Airport Construction Program (ACP). The hangar project featured the construction of two separate hangars – one 60’ x 60’ box hangar and the second structure being an eight-unit T-hangar. The overall project was broken into two phases which included these hangars as well as adjacent taxilane pavement totaling nearly $2.5 million in investment from the State and Local governments.
“Today’s ribbon cutting at the Okemah Airport marks more than just a completed project – it marks a new chapter for the future of Okemah. Seeing the bus from Okemah High School arrive full of young minds eager to learn about aeronautics reminded me exactly why this investment matters,” said Kristy Lesley, Okemah city manager. “This project would not have been possible without Grayson and his team at Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics, and the tireless work of Councilman Ron Gott. A special thanks as well to the Muskogee Nation for always stepping in to support Okemah when it matters most. I was deeply moved by the incredible turnout and the community’s enthusiasm for what this project represents. After all, the sky is not the limit – it’s only the beginning.”
Over the past two years, the Muscogee Nation has been responsible for several essential upgrades in Okemah including improvements to roads within the city.
“Mvto for the invitation to attend the ribbon cutting for the airport. The nation provided the road to the airport, namely our Tribal Construction department,” said Thomasene Yahola Osborn, second speaker, Tukvpvtce District. “Positive results can happen when a municipality, county, or government, is willing to work with the Muscogee Nation. While it may not be a huge project compared to others, citizenry in our rural areas are grateful for any improvements.”
Okemah Municipal Airport sits just about 65 miles east of Oklahoma City and 70 miles south of Tulsa and features a 3,400foot runway. Future improvements are planned for the Okfuskee County-based airport including a small terminal that will include a pilot’s lounge, restroom facilities, and a training room, a self-serve AvGas facility, an upgraded security gate, and a reconfigured entrance road and parking lot.
