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University of Oklahoma awarded state match for new air-traffic-control tower at Max Westheimer Airport
Summary
The commission approved a grant to support construction of a new air-traffic-control tower at OU Max Westheimer Airport; the project is largely funded by federal grants with a modest state/local match.
The Oklahoma Aerospace Aeronautics Commission approved a state grant Dec. 11 to support the University of Oklahoma’s Max Westheimer Airport in constructing a new air-traffic-control (ATC) tower.
Staff presented bids showing a total project cost of $14,871,118.92. The project will be funded primarily with federal grants (presented as $14,258,208.50) with the state’s portion reported as approximately $306,455.21 and the local match reflected in staff materials. Lance Lampkin, airport administrator for the University of Oklahoma, told the commission the existing tower is too short, not secure to FAA/TSA standards, does not meet ADA requirements and that parts of the current cab were originally constructed in the 1940s and moved to OUN in 1982.
Staff recommended approval and the commission voted to award the grant as presented.
Why it matters: The tower supports OU’s large training mission and commercial/GA operations at Max Westheimer. Upgrading infrastructure to current FAA/TSA and ADA standards is required for operations and to accommodate training and activity levels.
Clarifying details: Total project cost based on bids: $14,871,118.92. Federal funding cited: $14,258,208.50. State portion presented: $306,455.21. Staff said the existing cab structure dates to the 1940s and was moved in 1982; the 1982 facility and cab do not meet current standards for security or accessibility.
