The new airport terminal in Grove is open for business, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held recently with Gov. Mary Fallin on hand. The terminal building covers nearly 4,400 square feet and includes a pilot’s lounge as well as a conference room. The city of Grove provided another $500,000 and also paid for a new road leading up to the terminal as well as the parking areas.
Nearly 80 aircraft are based at the airport that also used by such companies as Simmons Foods, Sooner Container, Cerner Corporation , Ratcliff Ranch and Precision Machine and Manufacturing. It is also used by the Grand River Dam Authority.
Vic Bird, director of the Aeronautics Commission said the Grove Regional Airport has had a jet-capable runway since it was extended to 5,000 feet nearly a decade ago and it is used by Integris Grove Hospital, one of the city’s biggest employers.
“Employees can fly to Grove from its corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City and also make other stops throughout the state and then get back to OKC later that same day,” said Bird. “It’s great that the city of Grove gets it. They understand the value of what an airport means to a community and, more specifically, to its local economy.”
