Meeting Summary
The joint session between the cities of Guthrie and Edmond focused on the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport, highlighting its unique partnership, significant economic impact, and future capital improvement projects. Presentations covered current operations, financial sustainability goals, and plans for infrastructure upgrades like taxiway realignment, new fencing, and a new terminal building, aiming to enhance its role as a regional economic driver.
Upcoming Community Events
Annual Fly-in and Community Day
Features display aircraft, vendors, kids activities, and free flights provided by the EAA.
Internal Flight Camp
Hosts 20-25 kids aged 8-12 from disadvantaged backgrounds, funded in partnership with ODAA.
Santa Fly-in
Santa flies into the airport for children to meet and take photos.
Financial Matters
Airport Economic Activity
A 2017 study found the airport contributes $19.2 million in economic activity annually. Results for a new 2025 study are expected later this year.
City Allotments for Airport Operations
Historically, allotments from both cities have been $150,000 to $200,000. Last year, it increased to $300,000 each due to capital projects.
Taxiway Realign & LED Lights Project
Total cost is $5.7 million. The FAA provides 90% of funding, the state 5%, and each city provides 2.5% ($142,000).
East Side Fencing Project
Total cost is $400,000 for installing over 8,000 linear feet of hightensil netwire fencing for deer exclusion. The FAA provides 95% of funding, with each city providing 2.5% ($10,700).
New Terminal Building & Apron
A new 7,000 sq ft terminal building and associated apron pavement are being designed, funded by congressionally directed spending.
Runway Strengthening/Widening
An estimated cost for strengthening the runway, connector taxiways, parallel taxiway, and terminal parking to accommodate larger business jets, as current pavement is 6 inches thick.
Hanger Ground Lease Revenue
Hanger ground lease revenue accounts for 46% of the airport's total revenue, where private developers construct hangers on city-owned property.
Fuel Flow Fee Revenue
The city collects a portion of fuel sales. The new FBO, Apex Aerosenter, doubled fuel sales in its first year of operation.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- New 2025 economic analysis study results expected later this year
- New 2026 economic analysis study results expected early 2026
Watch For
- Stormwater detention for west side hanger development
- Construction of new taxi lanes on newly acquired property
- Construction of city-owned hangers
- Pavement strength improvements (runway/taxiway)
- Second round of perimeter fencing
- Second entrance to the airport
- Guthrie-Edmond terminal project
- Taxi project
Announcements
- Mayor Adam Rock corrected his earlier introduction of the city clerk.
- Mayor Adam Rock shared positive feedback from private jet company pilots who consider Guthrie-Edmond the 'nicest airport' in Oklahoma and surrounding states.
- Grayson Ardies announced he will be joining the citizenry of Edmond starting October 1st.
Agenda Summary
Call to Order (Guthrie)
Mayor Adam Rock called the Guthrie portion of the joint meeting to order and introduced Guthrie council and staff.
Introductions (Edmond)
Edmond council and staff were introduced, along with airport board members from both cities.
Presentation and discussion of the partnership between the city of Guthrie and the city of Edmond and the management and development of the Guthrie Edmond Regional Airport.
Airport Director Kate Young provided an overview of the airport's history, operations, economic impact, and current projects, highlighting the unique joint partnership.
Presentation and discussion on the Jeffrey Edmond regional airport's impact on regional and state growth within the Oklahoma airport system.
Executive Director Grayson Ardies discussed the aviation and aerospace industry's significance in Oklahoma, the airport's role as a national business airport, and state-level support for airport development.
Presentation and discussion of capital improvement projects and funding options at the Gaffrey Edmond Regional Airport.
Toby Baker detailed ongoing projects (taxiway realignment, fencing), upcoming designs (new terminal), and long-term goals (hanger development, pavement strengthening, second entrance), along with funding structures.
Adjournment
The joint meeting was adjourned.