Shawnee Regional Airport Secures $13.5 Million for Runway and Taxiway Upgrades

The funding will allow the airport to complete vital pavement improvements to extend the airfield's lifespan.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:55am

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The Shawnee Regional Airport in Oklahoma has secured $13.5 million in funding to strengthen its runway and connecting taxiways. The investment, presented by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, will allow the airport to complete essential pavement upgrades that are expected to extend the life of the airfield by about 10 years and accommodate a wider range of aircraft.

Why it matters

The airport upgrades are seen as an important investment in the area's economic development, as they will allow the airport to attract new businesses, support industry expansion, and strengthen connections to regional and national markets.

The details

A 2024 Pavement Condition Rating report recommended applying a 3-inch overlay to the runway and completing a full rehabilitation of the parallel taxiway. Once finished, the upgrades are expected to extend the pavement's life by about 10 years, allowing larger business, military, medical, and other aircraft to operate safely at the airport.

  • The funding was presented on March 12, 2026 by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice.
  • Construction is expected to take about a year once work begins.

The players

Stephanie Bice

A U.S. Congresswoman who delivered the ceremonial check for the $13.5 million in funding.

Eric Stephens

The Mayor of the City of Shawnee, who stated that the improvements are essential for safety and will allow the airport to accommodate a wider range of aircraft.

Shawnee Regional Airport

A regional airport in Shawnee, Oklahoma that is receiving the $13.5 million in funding for runway and taxiway upgrades.

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What they’re saying

“These improvements are about more than just convenience; they're essential for safety. They allow the airport to accommodate a wider range of aircraft while continuing to serve as a reliable transportation hub for our community.”

— Eric Stephens, City of Shawnee Mayor

What’s next

Construction is expected to take about a year once work begins on the runway and taxiway upgrades at the Shawnee Regional Airport.

The takeaway

The $13.5 million in funding for the Shawnee Regional Airport's infrastructure upgrades is seen as a crucial investment in the area's economic development, as it will allow the airport to accommodate a wider range of aircraft and strengthen the region's connections to national and global markets.