Vote likely means lights out for Lake Murray airport in Ardmore

Thursday, the commission voted 6-0 to close the facility, which is adjacent to Lake Murray Lodge and Lake Murray Golf Course.

Victor Bird, director of the aeronautics commission, said enough was enough. “Although the action may eventually have monetary costs, it was the right thing to do,” Bird said.

Last summer, the Federal Aviation Administration appeared it might close Lake Murray airport as it completed a study of the nation's general aviation airports.

The FAA asked the commission to delay action and reminded the commissioners that because they had accepted grants on the airport's behalf, they were contractually obligated to keep it open through 2027 or repay the grants.

Since 2007, grants from Lake Murray airport have been transferred to Ardmore, Muskogee, Duncan and other locations with greater aviation demands.

To close Lake Murray airport, the commission needs the cooperation of the state Tourism Department, which is a joint sponsor of the site.

In July, a department spokeswoman said they want the airport shuttered so they can use the runway area to develop a new entrance to the golf course.