Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust

PROJECT PURPOSE

TUL?s existing air traffic control tower (ATCT) was commissioned in 1958, making it one of the oldest towers within the FAA?s air traffic organization. Building modifications have been made throughout the years to accommodate changing operational needs; however, the tower does not meet present day building code. The facility?s maintenance needs are growing exponentially and must be addressed in order to preserve the safety, security, and continuity of the state?s air transportation system. The operational challenges only increased in a COVID protocol environment, while the resources to support maintenance and long-term capital needs became scarcer as the air transportation industry continues to experience weakened demand. As the owner of the TUL ATCT, TAIT is requesting funding to complete the design and construction of a new ATCT and radar (TRACON) facility. The new facility will provide reliable infrastructure needed for the safe operation of air traffic within TUL?s approach and local control areas and will allow the facility to expand their services beyond their existing capabilities. The facility will also serve as a redundant control facility for military and air traffic operations in the Oklahoma City area should those facilities experience a catastrophic disruption in service.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Throughout the pandemic, the aviation industry experienced the most significant disruption to the industry since the Wright Brothers began flying in 1903. Air traffic control remained an essential service despite the operational challenges that controllers faced from working in confined, antiquated infrastructure. Their services allowed pilots to reach rural communities in order to transport patients to critical care facilities, supported commercial flights carrying essential PPE and vaccines, and ensured the continued safety of all aircraft traversing air space throughout northeast Oklahoma. Investing in modernized air traffic facilities will provide our State?s aviation users with the critical services needed to support operational continuity when faced with future public health crises.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

TAIT would provide all necessary project reporting requirements in accordance with State guidelines. Our CFO is well versed in federal and state reporting requirements associated with airport grant funds and we would follow a similar reporting structure.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma