Officials with the State of Oklahoma and MidAmerica Industrial Park held a ceremonial groundbreaking on 24 April to commence construction of an airport terminal at MidAmerica's onsite H71 Regional Business airport.

The airport terminal is a joint investment partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and MidAmerica Industrial Park. Additionally, the ODAA led the effort to secure two grants from the FAA for a total capital investment of $3.285 million. The construction project features a new, 4,000sq ft terminal at MidAmerica's on-site regional business airport including hospitality areas, an on-site conference room, pilot's lounge and sleeping area, and back-office management space. The upgrade emphasises functionality and will provide an accommodating environment for pilots, executives and guests.

"MidAmerica's long-term vision for the airport involves an ongoing update to the airport master plan and capital improvement plan," says chief administrative officer David Stewart. "Future expansion plans include the addition of enclosed hangars and an overnight hangar for corporate aircraft. Also under consideration is a potential runway extension of up to 1,000 ft within the next five to 10 years to adapt to evolving aviation needs."

The updated terminal is expected to stimulate local and regional economic growth, particularly through increased corporate flights and subsequent fuel sales. In the planning phase, MidAmerica gathered input from the local pilot community, ensuring the updates meet the needs of those directly impacted by the airport's services.

"This marks a big step forward as we break ground on MidAmerica's new terminal," says executive director Grayson Ardies, ODAA. "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."

MidAmerica Industrial Park is overseen by the Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority, a public trust established by the Oklahoma legislature in 1960. MidAmerica's mission is to grow jobs, increase state and local tax bases and provide a positive economic benefit for the State of Oklahoma. The 9,000 acre industrial park is the eighth largest in the world and the third largest in the US. More than 80 employers, including five Fortune 500 companies, employ approximately 4,500 workers from communities throughout northeast Oklahoma.

"This 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," says Stewart. "Our historic H71 Regional Business airport is an integral part of our operations and is often the very first impression made by a visiting, prospective new employer. 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."

MidAmerica Industrial Park assumed management and maintenance of the H71 Regional Business airport in 1989. The airport has a 5,000 ft runway and also serves as northeast Oklahoma's home base and fuelling site for critical Life Flight services.

"As interest in MidAmerica Industrial Park continues to increase among businesses considering expansion or relocation, as we grow, so should additional capital investments in the airport," adds Stewart. "We thank ODAA and the legislature for its continued commitment to fund evolving needs in aviation and ensuring MidAmerica remains at the forefront of industry standards."

The anticipated opening date for the terminal building is January 2025.