Woodring dedicates new joint-use hangar, other projects

ENID, Okla. - Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics joined with city of Enid officials and others earlier this week to dedicate three major projects at Enid Woodring Regional Airport.

The three projects dedicated were a 120-foot by 120-foot joint-use hangar, reconstruction of 70,000 square feet of apron space and construction of eight 48-foot by 40-foot box hangars.

The ceremony was Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.

The projects were made possible through collaborative funding from ODAA's Hangar Development Grant Program, the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation's Defense Community Infrastructure Program, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce's P3 Program and the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission.

The new joint-use hangar had a total project cost of $1.85 million, and the south ramp project, which consisted of the apron pavement reconstruction and eight box hangars, had a project cost of $3.4 million, for a total of nearly $5.25 million.

The new infrastructure enhances Woodring's ability to meet the needs of the aviation industry, providing additional capacity and support for the local community and Vance Air Force Base.

The joint-use hangar is important to operations at Vance.

"With Vance Air Force Base training new pilots for the U.S. Air Force every single day, and the Enid Woodring Regional Airport supporting civil and commercial aviation activities this community plays a key role not just for Northwest Oklahoma, but for the state as a whole," said Col. Charles D. Throckmorton, 71st Flying Training Wing commander at Vance.

Eddie Compton, chairman of the Oklahoma State Military Planning Commission, said the project emphasizes the role Woodring plays in civilian aviation and in military operations.

"This project was truly a team effort with multiple sources of funding contributing to its success, including the Department of Defense's Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, the Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, the Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission," he said. "This project was a great example of the duality for which this airport stands, commitment to serving civilian aviation while also proving to be a key asset for our military partners."

Patrick J. O'Brien, director of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, paid tribute to the late James Inhofe, who was an advocate for the program during his time in the U.S. Senate.

"This Defense Community Infrastructure Program project demonstrates the success that can be achieved when defense communities' partner with their local installations to deliver necessary civilian infrastructure for the local mission," he said. "This project doesn't just support Vance Air Force Base by expanding operational capabilities and enhancing the readiness of the training mission for undergraduate pilots, but is also noteworthy for being in a community previously represented by former Senator James Inhofe, a former mayor and huge advocate for this program and its ability to enable defense communities across our country to deliver critical support for our installations."

State Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlingon, and Enid Mayor David Mason emphasized the economic impact of Woodring.

"Today's project celebration is a key moment in time on the flight plan for Enid Woodring Regional Airport's success," Pederson said. "The Woodring Airport is already an economic development powerhouse with nearly $30 million in annual economic activity and supporting 290 jobs for the community."

Mason agreed.

"The community of Enid knows very well how important the aerospace and defense industry is to our state's economy," he said. "As our second-largest and fastest-growing economic sector of the state, Enid is at an important crossroads of military and civilian aviation."

Keston Cook, Woodring airport director, said additions will open up new opportunities for Woodring.

"We are ushering in a new era of pro-growth development for the airport with the dedication of these hangars and apron improvements," he said.

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