MIDAMERICA UPDATE: New Terminal Construction Begins at MidAmerica’s H71 Regional Business Airport
08/15/2024
Officials from the State of Oklahoma and MidAmerica Industrial Park broke ground on a new airport terminal at our H71 Regional Business Airport on April 19, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and economic appeal of MidAmerica Industrial Park.
The new terminal, a joint investment by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and MidAmerica Industrial Park, is backed by $3.285 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. The 4,000-square-foot facility will feature hospitality areas, an on-site conference room, a pilot’s lounge and sleeping area and back-office management space.
Executive Director of the ODAA, Grayson Ardies, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "This marks a big step forward as we break ground on MidAmerica's new terminal. This new facility is not just about bricks and mortar—it is about creating opportunities for this region and providing an amazing front door to this critical economic development asset in our state. With this investment, we are building a stronger future for Oklahoma's aviation industry.”
The ODAA plays a crucial role in supporting, promoting and advocating for Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry, the state’s second-largest sector. This includes providing funding, planning, programming and engineering expertise for Oklahoma’s airports and aviation infrastructure.
“Aviation is an essential piece of the state’s transportation network and economic ecosystems,” said Oklahoma Sen. John Haste, chair of the Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee.
In 2022, the Oklahoma legislature made the largest investment in state history for the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense industry totaling nearly $250 million. With these funds, the ODAA is supporting infrastructure upgrades for the 108 public airports across the State of Oklahoma, aviation industrial parks, and workforce development opportunities.
David Stewart, MidAmerica’s Chief Administrative Officer, reflected on the strategic importance of this project. “The new terminal is yet another milestone in years of master planning and our Board of Trustees’ strategic, conservative investments in MidAmerica to enhance the transportation and critical infrastructure for our current and future employers. The new terminal not only replaces an outdated relic from our history but also provides a massive shift in the positive perception of MidAmerica and the State of Oklahoma.”
Since 2015, MidAmerica Industrial Park’s Board of Trustees has invested over $80 million in infrastructure, including roads, water treatment facilities, workforce training, and regional planning for residential housing and quality of life initiatives.
Senator Blake Stephens, representing the Senate District of MidAmerica Industrial Park, acknowledged the broader impact of our regional business airport. “This regional business airport is more than just a mode for commercial or general aviation air transportation; these airports are hubs of economic activity and jobs, supporting the grander aerospace ecosystem that keeps our Nation’s air transportation system operating as the best system in the world.”
The new terminal at H71 Regional Business Airport represents a significant step forward for MidAmerica Industrial Park and the State of Oklahoma. It enhances our capacity to attract new businesses and supports the continued growth and success of our existing employers.