The Okmulgee Area Development Corporation (OADC) is set to launch a major infrastructure project at the Okmulgee Business Complex (OBC), marking a major step in revitalizing a historic site and driving regional economic growth. This development follows the ceremonial groundbreaking held in October 2022, after OADC was awarded a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for the project. EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based on an application’s merit, the applicant’s eligi- bility and the availability of funds.

The infrastructure improvements will include the development of interior industrial park roads, installation of water and sewer lines and construction of stormwater channels and a detention system to manage runoff and prevent flooding. The project will begin by the end of April and is expected to be completed by October 2025.

The construction contract has been awarded to Barnes Construction Solutions of Tulsa, with design, engineering and construction administration managed by Bartlett & West of Topeka, Kansas. The $2.6 million project is supported by a $2.01 million EDA investment and augmented by $635,430 in local funds. The project is projected to create 175 jobs and catalyze $50 million in private investment by transforming the site into a shovel-ready industrial complex.

“This infrastructure project represents a major milestone in the transformation of the Okmulgee Business Complex,” said Roger King, Chairman of the OADC Board. “By preparing this site for future industrial growth, we are not only reclaiming a historic property but also creating new opportunities for jobs and investment in Okmulgee.”

“In local government, it’s easy to get caught up in infrastructure, zoning, regulations, permits and public safety – all critical, but sometimes drawing focus away from our true purpose: serving our citizens,” said Mayor Mickey Baldwin. “With this project, we’re transforming a once-abandoned refinery site into a modern industrial asset – one that reflects the resilience, pride and progress of Okmulgee. We have a proud history, and this milestone shows how serious we are about building a strong future. It’s a win for all of Okmulgee, and a powerful reminder that our citizens are still working together to move us forward.”

Located at US Highway 75 and Fairgrounds Road, the current site of the OBC was originally home to one of Oklahoma’s first oil refineries, established in 1907. Following decades of industrial use and abandonment in the early 1980s, the site underwent an extensive environmental remediation process between 1997 and 2009. In 2013, the property was awarded the Phoenix Award – the nation’s highest honor for brownfield redevelopment. The 80-acre, multi-zoned brownfield will be positioned for advanced manufacturing, distribution and industrial support firms.

The Muscogee Nation will be widening Fairgrounds Road from US Highway 75 to the BNSF rail crossing, with construction anticipated to begin in August 2025. This $3.471 million infrastructure investment is a complementary project to the ongoing efforts at the Okmulgee Business Complex, reinforcing a spirit of collaboration and shared momentum. This project will enhance access to the Claude Cox Omniplex and Bob Arrington Rodeo Arena as well as the OBC.

Principal Chief David Hill expressed his support: “The Muscogee Nation and our Department of Transportation is excited to join with our partners at ODOT and the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation on the significant investment into the Fairgrounds Road project. This is a special area as we bring in thousands of visitors each year to our Annual Festival, which significantly boosts the local economy. This investment will enhance the guest experience and strengthen the community for years to come.”

To further enhance the site’s marketability, OADC is also leading a companion project funded through the State of Oklahoma’s Project Readiness and Economic Preparedness (PREP) program. This project will add a rail spur and switching facility to provide direct rail access, significantly boosting the site’s appeal to manufacturers and distributors who rely on freight logistics for their operations.

“Okmulgee County is strategically located, which makes our community aligned for future growth and opportunity,” said Deb Marshall, Executive Director of the OADC. “Our progress is a result of the collaborative spirit among local governments, educational institutions, utility providers and the private sector. Together, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and attracting advanced manufacturing to our community.”