Ardmore Development Authority

PROJECT PURPOSE

The project at hand would reconstruct the Critical Cargo Apron, Taxiway, and Runway Infrastructure at the Global Transportation and Industrial Park (GTIP) in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The overall objective of the project is to repair the 60-year-old infrastructure at the Ardmore Industrial Airpark to take advantage of the rapid economic growth along the I-35 corridor between North Texas and Oklahoma City. The Airpark?s current state of infrastructure limits its ability to expand and fully utilize the best functions of its primary assets: a recently updated 9,000+ foot runway and about 1,200 acres of developable land within the airport boundaries. The requested funding will be used to reconstruct existing cargo apron handstands conforming to current FAA standards and geometry, reconstructing a portion of Taxiway D that has been determined ?poor to fair? condition, and extending the primary instrument Runway 31 by 1,000 feet (9,002 to 10,002 feet). There are completed impact studies that show the development of the Ardmore Industrial Airpark into a global transportation hub will create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs supporting the Chickasaw Nation and large portions of Southern Oklahoma.

EVIDENCE

The Chickasaw Nation and the surrounding private corporations have pledged support in the completion of the project. Despite efforts to maintain this aging taxiway, the pavement is presently in a ?Fair to Poor? condition warranting complete reconstruction. If the air cargo hardstands and Taxiway D are not reconstructed near?term, then continued use increases the risk of damage to the aircraft and safety of air operations. The completed economic impact studies have shown the development of the Airpark to be necessary for the economic sustainability of the community.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This project will promote social equity and economic growth in a historically disadvantaged and diverse region. 10% of the definable Region of Benefit live in an Opportunity Zone and have a poverty rate of 14.3%, which is well below the average of 10.5%. Carter County has a Per Capita Personal Income of $43,578, which is more than 13,000 less than the national average. 5,219 people live within this opportunity zone, equaling an 11.1% unemployment rate, compared to the national average of 8.7%. In January of 2021, Carter County ranked #1 in COVID cases per capita in Oklahoma and #7 in the country This project exists in the Chickasaw Nation sovereign territory. COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact on American Indians. The infection rate for COVID-19 in Oklahoma was over 65% for American Indians compared to whites, and the death rate was 33% higher. Covid has caused heavy strain on freight movements which affects how people get access to goods during the pandemic supports resiliency.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

This can be measured by job creation (estimated over 18,000 jobs and a potential economic impact of 3.8 billion), and immediate expansion of commercial development of 250 acres of airport property.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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