Public comment sought for airport construction

Sallisaw Municipal Airport is scheduled for almost $5 million in improvements and upgrades during the next five years, according to a plan announced by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission for its Airport Construction Program (ACP).

But before the proposed construction is green-lighted for the OAC’s fiscal years 2024-28, the public is entitled to weigh-in on the plan.

“We are pleased to announce that the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission’s proposed five-year (FY 20242028) Airport Construction Program (ACP) is available for public comment. The deadline for submitting comments is May 5,” said Grayson Ardies, state director of aeronautics. “We are requesting that those who want to provide comments please do so electronically by contacting Nick Young, Airport Division manager, at nyoung@oac.ok.gov. The commission will consider this ACP during its regularly scheduled May commission meeting currently set for 10 a.m. on May 10.”

Information about the proposed ACP is available on the OAC website at oac.ok.gov.

Projects proposed for the Sallisaw airport include:

• Installation of LED runway lights, lighted windsock and electrical vault scheduled for 2023 at a cost of $606,000.

The airports lighting system is beginning to age significantly and is due for replacement. The existing electrical vault does not meet standards and needs to be replaced. This project will install a new electrical vault and cabling out to the home run, converting the runway lights to LED, and a lighted windsock.

• Rehabilitation of the terminal apron and parallel taxiway scheduled for 2023 at a cost of $211,000.

The terminal apron Pavement Condition Index is forecasted to be below 65, with some portions already below that threshold. The pavement is at a point where it is more cost effective to rehabilitate than let it deteriorate until a point where reconstruction is required. In addition, it would be cost effective to also include rehabilitation of the parallel taxiway. This project will consist of a crack seal and seal coat.

• Rehabilitation of runway 17/35 scheduled for 2026 at a cost of $2,160,000.

The existing runway pavement is exhibiting seasonal environmental distresses such as weathering, raveling and longitudinal/ transverse cracking. The pavement is at a point where it is more cost effective to rehabilitate than let it deteriorate until a point where reconstruction is required. Rehabilitation will include an overlay.

• Construction of a new terminal building scheduled for 2027 at a cost of $2,000,000.

The current building has become outdated and is in need of repair/maintenance and updating. The existing building does not provide sufficient room and facilities to accommodate the mix between waiting passengers, pilots and others visiting the airport. The improvements will provide passengers and users of the terminal the facilities and amenities they would expect to receive at a regional business airport. The OAC will participate in 50% of the project cost. However, the OAC share will not exceed the OAC’s funding policy for terminal buildings, which is $1 million.