Commission OKs grants coordinator hire; financials show tight year‑end outlook; staff briefs lawmakers’ activity

At its May 14 meeting the Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved creation/filling of a grants coordinator position, received the department’s monthly financial report, and heard a legislative and federal update on bills and funding relevant to aerospace activity.

The commission voted to add a grants coordinator to support grant management and drawdown activity. Director Grayson Artes told commissioners that the department had exceeded FY2024 pay requests and draws in the first six months of FY2025 and that grant activity has grown, citing a recent month in which staff handled $11,000,070 in draws. Artes recommended filling the position to maintain continuity and support continued grant activity; the motion to approve the hire passed on a roll call vote.

Financial snapshot Chris…