The Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport officially celebrated the completion of its $5.7 million Taxiway Realignment and Lighting Project on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant investment in the airport’s future while improving safety, efficiency, and preparing for continued expansion.
The infrastructure project reconstructed and realigned approximately 3,750 feet of parallel taxiway to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards while replacing the airport’s taxiway lighting system with modern, energy-efficient LED fixtures. The project also completed the first phase of a future terminal apron, allowing additional airport improvements to move forward with minimal disruption.
Airport officials were joined by Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) Executive Director Grayson Ardies, State Senator Kelly Hines, State Representative Nicole Miller, State Representative Collin Duel, members of the Guthrie and Edmond City Councils, Airport Board members, and city officials for the ceremony. Following the formal program, attendees participated in a ribbon cutting on the newly completed taxiway.
“Airports are never truly finished. They’re always evolving to meet the needs of the next generation of aviation,” Airport Director Caden Young said. “This project improves safety and efficiency today while preparing Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport for future development and the increasing demand we’re seeing from pilots, businesses and aviation partners across the region.”
For more than two decades, portions of the airport’s taxiway configuration no longer met current FAA design standards. Airport officials say the completed project improves operational safety and efficiency while strengthening the airport’s role as a regional transportation hub for business aviation, flight training, aircraft maintenance, and economic development across central Oklahoma.
Construction was completed ahead of schedule and under budget by Contech Inc., with engineering and design services provided by Parkhill. Airport operations remained open throughout construction using a phased approach that minimized disruptions for pilots and airport users.
The project was funded primarily through $5.13 million from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics contributing $285,000. The remaining $285,000 was jointly funded by the Cities of Guthrie and Edmond.
“Every airport improvement strengthens Oklahoma’s transportation network and creates new opportunities for economic growth,” said ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies. “Investments like this ensure our communities have the infrastructure needed to attract business, support aviation and compete for future development. Projects like this are part of ODAA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, modern airport system that connects Oklahoma communities and supports economic prosperity.”
The completion of the taxiway project also lays the foundation for the airport’s next major capital improvement. Construction on a new terminal building and expanded aircraft parking apron is expected to begin later this year. Because the initial apron work was completed as part of this project, future construction is expected to have less impact on airport operations.
Jointly owned and operated by the Cities of Guthrie and Edmond, the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport has grown into one of Oklahoma’s premier general aviation airports. According to airport officials, the facility generates an estimated $19.2 million in annual economic impact while serving pilots, businesses, and visitors from throughout the region.
Aviation and aerospace remain Oklahoma’s second-largest industry, generating more than $44 billion in annual economic impact statewide, making continued investments in airports like Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport an important part of the state’s long-term economic development strategy.
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