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Airport board seeks $5 million for new terminal and approves draft CIP with revisions allowed
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Summary
The Alfalfa County Airport Board voted to approve a draft five-year capital improvement plan and discussed pursuing a $5,000,000 state appropriation for a new terminal; board members emphasized fundraising, design input from pilots and the ability to revise the CIP if grant awards change.
The Alfalfa County Airport Board on May 2026 voted to approve a draft five-year capital improvement plan and discussed applying for a $5,000,000 state appropriation to build a new terminal and related projects.
Board Chair (speaker 2) opened the discussion by asking staff for details about the appropriation and the CIP, and staff (speaker 5) described the funding plan: “we're seeking $5,000,000 for terminal and related projects,” with a local match initially reported as $250,000 and a private pledge of $25,000 that staff said reduces the immediate cash match to about $225,000. Staff also said Oklahoma Aeronautics would contribute $250,000 if the appropriation is awarded.
The nut graf: the board approved the CIP to provide the FAA and state agencies with a current plan while preserving the right to revise project order and estimates later. That approval keeps the airport eligible to apply for state and federal funding while staff continues to refine costs and pursue grant matches.
Board members and staff emphasized next steps and community input. Staff said, if awarded, the airport would convene meetings to decide design features and run a fundraising campaign to avoid drawing heavily on reserves. One board member suggested forming a pilots’ design subcommittee and surveying terminal users; staff proposed adding a QR-code survey on the airport website to collect quick feedback.
Members discussed project sequencing and contingency planning: staff presented a proposed sequence of work — 2026 infrastructure, 2027 parking lot, 2028 terminal and 2029 fence — but cautioned that the schedule depends on grant outcomes and carryover funds. The board’s motion to approve the CIP included an explicit reservation that the plan may be revised in future rounds.
On timing and selection, staff said the application window was short and selections would move through a draft stage in the fall, with final awards likely by January or February next year; design work and community input would follow if the airport advances to the awarded list.
The meeting closed the item by encouraging pilots and users to note what they like or dislike at other terminals and provide input for a locally tailored design. The board did not adopt final design choices at the meeting; instead it approved the CIP to keep funding options open and directed staff to continue outreach and cost refinement.
