The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and South Grand Lake Regional airport have broken ground on a series of improvement projects that include a new terminal, a hangar and a partial parallel taxiway.

The work is part of a multi-phase plan over the next five years to upgrade the Craig County airport, programmed and funded by the ODAA Airport Construction Program (ACP). The purpose of the evolving ACP, which was codified into state law in 2025, is to enhance air transportation project planning for the state, the FAA and airport sponsors. This programming process aims to anticipate airport funding needs through multi-year planning.

The combined cost of the three projects is about $12.3 million. The terminal and hangar will cost just over $6 million, funded primarily through legislatively directed ODAA funds. The $6.3 million taxiway project is funded by $6 million from the FAA, with the remaining $314,000 split between ODAA and the local airport sponsor.

The existing terminal has limited space and facilities for passengers, pilots and visitors. A new 3,800-square-foot terminal building will provide modern facilities, while a 12,000-square-foot commercial hangar forms part of a statewide initiative to increase revenue-generating aircraft storage across Oklahoma. The parallel taxiway will support the airport’s north–south runway and improve safety and efficiency as business aviation traffic grows.

“SGLRA's construction projects are expected to be a springboard for economic expansion in the region with continued progress extending to the rest of the northeast Oklahoma region,” says Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “Supporting pro-growth aviation acts as a force multiplier. As our airports continue to improve and grow, the community flourishes and commerce thrives, magnifying the positive effects throughout Oklahoma's broader economy.”

The projects are forecasted to support growth and demand well into the next decade. Future plans include relocating a county road around the runway end to allow more usable runway, installing new runway lighting, water and wastewater upgrades and further industrial development.

“South Grand Lake's steady growth and drive have been extraordinary,” comments Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair. “As we focus on these projects over the next 12 months and plan for future improvements, it's clear the airport will remain a significant economic engine as it will foster new business development and expand work opportunities within the area.”

The airport was designated ‘Brent Howard Field’ in 2024 after community leader S. Brent Howard. “The foresight of Brent and other trustees has really helped get the ball rolling and taken us from a grass strip and a pole barn in a field to what you see today,” explains Jim Brown, SGLRA director. “Now, with the support from Dir. Ardies, the ODAA Commission and the State Legislature, we're going to continue growing and improving South Grand Lake Regional Airport for years to come.”

“I could not be prouder of this airport board and its pilot community,” adds Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita. “Their efforts are a fantastic step towards making transportation easier for everyone in northeast Oklahoma and boosting our region's infrastructure. It's all part of a bigger plan to keep our area competitive, connect our communities to opportunities and prepare for future growth.”

The airport’s footprint has more than doubled to the 125 acres it covers today, with airport assets including a lighted 4,700-foot runway with instrument approaches, automated weather reporting, an approach lighting system, fuelling facilities and 18 hangars, with another under construction.