AGP Executive Report

Industrial Oversight: Oklahoma’s attorney general is seeking emissions data from companies planning an aluminum smelter in Inola before the state decides whether construction can proceed. Tulsa Manufacturing: Lufthansa Technik is adding engine capacity and module capabilities in Tulsa, expanding the city’s aviation-industry footprint. Infrastructure Costs: Oklahoma needs an estimated $255 million more annually to maintain roads, as inflation raises the cost of road and bridge construction. New Investment: Spanish design firm Escofet has opened its first U.S. factory in Elk City, while Dawn Aerospace has broken ground on a $7.5 million spaceplane facility at Infinity One Spaceport. Aviation Workforce: Southeastern Oklahoma State unveiled a new aerospace building at Durant Regional Airport, with runway-side classrooms, briefing rooms and flight simulators to support pilot training.

Inola Smelter: Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking a judge to require early emissions data from companies behind the proposed aluminum plant, before construction can begin. Transportation: Oklahoma leaders broke ground on the Toby Keith Expressway interchange in Newcastle, advancing a planned 28-mile link around Oklahoma City. Separately, state officials say inflation has left a $255 million annual gap in road and bridge maintenance funding. Materials & Manufacturing: The federal government designated helium a critical material, citing its role in semiconductor production and risks to global supply. Film Production: A Bartlesville partnership with a Canadian studio aims to attract international productions to Oklahoma; the state’s film incentive program generated more than $531 million in economic impact from 2021 to 2025. Aerospace: Dawn Aerospace has broken ground on a $7.5 million spaceplane facility at Oklahoma’s Infinity One Spaceport.

Energy Regulation: Candidates for Oklahoma’s Corporation Commission seat differ over oversight as the agency faces scrutiny over oilfield pollution and rising electricity costs. Tulsa Research: Construction is underway on labs and offices for the National Center for Addiction Studies and Treatment, funded by Oklahoma’s opioid settlement. Critical Materials: The federal government named helium a critical material, citing its role in semiconductors and the need to secure supplies; U.S. production is largely tied to natural gas processing. Aerospace and Manufacturing: Dawn Aerospace has broken ground on a $7.5 million Oklahoma spaceplane facility, while Spanish design firm Escofet opened its first U.S. factory in Elk City. Power Investment: Deriva Energy secured $280 million for a 302-megawatt Oklahoma battery storage project that is slated to be sold to OG&E. Data Centers: Piedmont’s council advanced an amended data-center plan, but zoning approval is still pending as residents and officials weigh water use, noise and nearby property concerns. Workforce: Oklahoma FFA members earned national titles, while state regents approved a plan to address workforce needs.

Advanced Manufacturing: Norman’s Hitachi Vantara plant is one of only two worldwide, producing data-storage systems for the Americas and developing automation technology. Aerospace: Dawn Aerospace has broken ground on a $7.5 million mission-control building and hangar at Burns Flat’s spaceport; flights of its reusable spaceplane are expected in 2027. Industrial Siting: Collinsville neighbors are seeking answers about a proposed 164-acre annexation amid data-center concerns; city officials say the request is a straightforward annexation, and data-center talk remains speculation. Infrastructure Costs: Oklahoma’s transportation chief told lawmakers inflation leaves the state about $255 million short each year to maintain roads and bridges; highway construction costs rose as much as 18% in one year. Workforce: State Regents approved a plan to meet Oklahoma’s workforce needs, as a study finds the state retains fewer than half of its STEM graduates. Energy and Industry: Oklahoma’s attorney general is seeking emissions data from a proposed Inola aluminum smelter, while Spanish design company Escofet has opened its first U.S. factory in Elk City.

Wind Energy: TransAlta closed a $305 million sale of a 49% stake in its 500-megawatt Oklahoma wind portfolio, retaining operational control while freeing capital for other investments. Natural Gas: Tulsa-based Williams is seeking permits for an 88-mile pipeline to expand gas deliveries to the Northwest, where rising electricity demand is driving debate over new infrastructure. Aerospace: Oklahoma broke ground on a $7.5 million Dawn Aerospace facility at Infinity One Spaceport, while Oklahoma City has unveiled a multibillion-dollar, 25-year airport expansion plan. Agriculture: Recent heavy rain brought broad drought relief to Oklahoma, though dry conditions remain a concern for producers. Starting Oct. 26, a new USDA cash-cattle report will combine market data from Oklahoma and four neighboring states to improve price transparency. Business Climate: Oklahoma’s rolling annual tax revenue reached $18.18 billion in September, up 7.1% from a year earlier.

Energy: Expand Energy named Daniel Brown its new CEO, while Oklahoma’s Oil & Natural Gas Expo drew more than 3,600 attendees and 300 exhibitors. Aerospace: OU opened a $17.2 million air traffic control tower at Max Westheimer Airport, which generates about $212 million a year and supports 1,227 jobs. Oklahoma City also unveiled a multibillion-dollar, 25-year airport expansion plan. Industrial Development: A proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter at the Port of Inola is fueling a dispute with the town; project leaders say workforce development will be key. Agriculture: Federal officials announced an $8 billion relief plan as Oklahoma farmers contend with drought and high diesel costs.

Energy Leadership: Expand Energy named Danny Brown, former Chord Energy CEO, to lead the natural gas producer from Oct. 26. The company produces nearly 6.9 billion cubic feet a day. Farm Relief: An $8 billion federal aid plan aims to ease pressure on Oklahoma farmers facing drought-hit crops, high diesel prices and rising costs. Industrial Growth: Workforce training is a key issue for the proposed aluminum smelter at the Port of Inola, while Tulsa Ports is weighing legal action over the project. Infrastructure: Oklahoma City has unveiled a multibillion-dollar airport expansion planned over 25 years. Workforce Pipeline: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase to support schools and job training.

Energy Technology: Oklahoma City-based ROAM-AI launched a platform to help oil and gas companies build AI applications, manage data and put tools to work in the field. Infrastructure: Will Rogers World Airport unveiled a 25-year expansion plan to grow capacity from 4.6 million to as many as 20 million passengers a year, with later phases adding gates and a downtown rail link. Manufacturing: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot facility in Owasso, a major addition to the state’s industrial base. Industrial Development: Tulsa Ports is weighing legal action against Inola over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, putting a major project in dispute. Workforce: An Oklahoma legislative panel heard that education and health gaps could hinder business recruitment, while CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase for schools and workforce training. Agriculture: Oklahoma producers are contending with heavy rains and bearish market forecasts as USDA payments bring $307 million in safety-net and conservation support to the state.

Nuclear Manufacturing: Centrus completed its $116 million acquisition of Westerman, adding a 400-person industrial manufacturer with four facilities, including one in Oklahoma, to its nuclear fuel supply chain. Water Infrastructure: Azuria bought Horseshoe Construction, a trenchless pipe and infrastructure contractor serving Oklahoma and neighboring states. Workforce Support: Cherokee Nation opened a $22 million Catoosa childcare center for up to 100 children, near one of the tribe’s largest employment centers. Industrial Expansion: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso. Port Development: Tulsa Ports is weighing legal action over Inola’s proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, putting a major industrial project in dispute. Agriculture Costs: Oklahoma farm diesel reached $4.72 a gallon in September, up from $2.68 early in the year, adding pressure to harvest budgets as producers head into the season.

Business: Tulsa-based BOK Financial reported third-quarter results for the period ending Sept. 30; the regional bank scheduled a review call for Tuesday. Tourism and Development: Tulsa leaders unveiled proposed BOK Center upgrades, including new seating, restrooms and a scoreboard, as voters weigh a hotel-tax increase to fund improvements. City officials say local venues drew more than 850,000 guests in 2025. Infrastructure: Idabel is moving ahead with a $42 million water-treatment plant to replace its 70-year-old facility, alongside bridge and road repairs. Economic Growth: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt told New Orleans leaders that decades of downtown investment helped attract residents and businesses. Meanwhile, Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, and Tulsa Ports is considering legal action over Inola’s proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter. Agriculture: USDA is directing $307 million in safety-net and conservation payments to Oklahoma, while recent rain has lifted lake levels but left drought concerns in place.

Cattle Industry: More than 500 producers are meeting in Oklahoma City for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association convention, with herd rebuilding and the 2027 outlook on the agenda. Construction Equipment: Eubanks Equipment is joining Hyundai’s dealer network, expanding sales and service in Welch and Claremore as it grows beyond its agricultural customer base. Industrial Development: Tulsa Ports authorized a lawsuit against Inola over development restrictions tied to a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million budget increase to support schools and job training as employers face shortages in skilled trades. Major Projects: Flintco-Mortenson has begun pouring the concrete deck for Oklahoma City’s $900 million NBA arena.

Agriculture: More than 500 cattle producers are in Oklahoma City for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association convention, where leaders are discussing industry policy and feedyard operations. Oklahoma producers are also weighing mixed market signals after heavy rains and bearish USDA projections. Manufacturing: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot facility in Owasso, while Hyundai has added Eubanks Equipment as a full-line construction-equipment dealer serving northeastern Oklahoma. Industrial Development: Tulsa Ports’ dispute with Inola over restrictions tied to a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter is escalating, putting a major project and local development rules in the spotlight. Infrastructure: Construction crews have begun the concrete deck at Oklahoma City’s $900 million NBA arena, and Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport has opened a $7 million terminal expansion. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million budget increase for training, as Tulsa-area projections point to demand for workers in health care, trades and driving.

Construction Dispute: Norman is suing contractors over leaks, water intrusion and unfinished work at the Young Family Athletic Center, and is withholding $1.5 million in payments while the dispute is resolved. Agriculture: Johnston County landowner Patrick Bell has turned 130 acres of his family’s former cattle farm into pollinator habitat after noticing fewer butterflies and bees. Industrial Development: Tulsa Ports is pursuing legal action against Inola over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, a major project now facing a local dispute. Manufacturing: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot facility in Owasso, a significant addition to Oklahoma’s industrial base. Infrastructure: Work has begun on the concrete deck for Oklahoma City’s $900 million arena, while Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport has opened a $7 million terminal expansion. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase as the state confronts projected shortages in health care, skilled trades and driving jobs.

Manufacturing: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, a major addition to the state’s industrial footprint. Tulsa Port Dispute: Tulsa Ports is weighing legal action against Inola over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, putting a large industrial project and town-port relations in focus. Construction: Work has begun on the concrete deck for Oklahoma City’s $900 million NBA arena. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase for schools and job training. Agriculture: OSU researchers are developing faster ways to breed winter-hardy bermudagrass, while Johnston County landowner Patrick Bell has restored 130 acres of his family’s cattle farm as pollinator habitat.

Agriculture Research: OSU Agriculture is leading a four-year, USDA-funded project to breed bermudagrass with better winter hardiness, aiming to cut testing time and turf-industry costs. Manufacturing: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, a major addition to the state’s industrial footprint. Port Development: Tulsa Ports has authorized a lawsuit against Inola over restrictions on development at the port, where a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter has drawn local opposition. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million budget increase to support schools and job training as employers face skills gaps. Transportation: Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport has opened a $7 million terminal expansion. Farm Outlook: Oklahoma producers face mixed signals after heavy rains, with bearish USDA projections adding uncertainty to the market.

Manufacturing: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, a major addition to Oklahoma’s industrial base. Construction: Work has begun on the concrete deck of Oklahoma City’s $900 million NBA arena. Industrial Development: Tulsa Ports authorized a lawsuit against Inola over restrictions on development at the port, as debate continues over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase for schools and job training, while state officials examine gaps in fields including trades, health care and transportation. Infrastructure: Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport opened a $7 million terminal expansion. Regulation: The Tenth Circuit upheld EPA approval for Oklahoma to administer federal environmental programs in Indian Country.