Remember when the biggest excitement in Chickasha was a new restaurant opening or the annual Festival of Light? Those days are officially over. Your quiet hometown just landed the kind of deal that most cities can only dream about – and it’s going to change everything you know about living here.
A developer just dropped $1.4 million on 280 acres near our airport, but that’s pocket change compared to what’s coming next. We’re talking about a $3.5 billion development that could bring 3,000 jobs to a town of 16,000 people. Let that sink in for a moment.
If you’re doing the math, that’s potentially one new job for every five people currently living in Chickasha. When was the last time you heard news this big coming out of Grady County?
So What Exactly is Happening?
A California developer named Chet Hitt (yes, the same individual who renovated the old Savoy Hotel downtown) has just purchased a substantial parcel of land adjacent to our airport. However, he’s not planning to grow corn on it (after all, the land only generates $400 per year in agricultural lease revenue).
Instead, he’s partnering with some serious heavy-hitters to build their own power plant and industrial park that will house a self-powered data centre. Think of it like this – instead of plugging into the existing electrical grid, they’re building their own private power company to run the high-tech industrial parl.
The power plant will run on Oklahoma natural gas, and here’s the kicker – it won’t cost residents a dime. While they’re generating their electricity, you’ll still get your power the same way you always have, but without any rate increases to pay for their project.
It’s like having a wealthy neighbor build their private swimming pool – you don’t pay for it, but your property value goes up just by living nearby.
‘Behind-The-Meter’ Power Generation: The Future is now.
Ever wondered what “behind-the-meter” power generation means? Imagine having your own personal power plant that generates exactly what you need, when you need it, without relying on the traditional electrical grid. That’s exactly what Chickasha is getting.
The power plant will burn natural gas produced in Oklahoma, and its operations will not cost the residents anything. This isn’t just smart economics – it’s a brilliant strategy. While other communities struggle with rising energy costs, Chickasha will have its dedicated power source fueling high-tech industries.
Energy Transfer will connect the power generation plant to a high-pressure natural-gas line buried “fairly close to the airport land”, ensuring a reliable fuel supply for the operation. This infrastructure advantage gives Chickasha a competitive edge that most communities can only dream of.
The Ripple Effect: Economic Impact and Job Creation.
Hitt’s plans for the development of the 80 acres could produce 3,000 or more jobs for small manufacturers and other companies. But what does 3,000 jobs mean for a town like Chickasha?
Consider this: if you’re currently among Chickasha’s 16,000 residents, you’re looking at nearly a 20% increase in employment opportunities. That’s not just growth – that’s an economic explosion.
And those employees will buy houses, fuel, food and clothing, and pay sales and property taxes. The ripple effect extends far beyond the industrial park itself. Local restaurants, retail stores, service providers – everyone benefits when thousands of new paychecks start circulating through the local economy.
This development isn’t just creating jobs; it’s creating careers. Our target group will be manufacturers, because those are the higher-paying jobs, Hitt explained. This focus on manufacturing means Chickasha isn’t just getting any employment – it’s attracting the kind of stable, well-paying positions that build strong communities.
Why Chickasha? Strategic Location and Infrastructure.
Ask a real estate expert, and they will tell you that a strategic location is the foundation of any successful industrial development. Chickasha’s position offers several strategic advantages that make it irresistible to major investors.
Connected to major road networks
The Chickasha Airport Industrial Park sits perfectly positioned near major transportation corridors. The 80 acres could support approximately 40 to 50 buildings of various dimensions, providing plenty of room for expansion and diversification.
But it’s not just about space – it’s about smart planning. The city has been preparing for this moment for years. From the ongoing US-81 realignment project valued at $83.2 million to the State Highway 19 reconstruction worth $45 million, Chickasha has been building the infrastructure necessary to support major industrial development.
Proximity to natural gas
The proximity to Oklahoma’s natural gas resources provides another crucial advantage. While other states struggle with energy costs and reliability, Chickasha can offer businesses a stable, cost-effective power solution that’s fueled by resources found right in their backyard.
Who is behind the Chickasha Industrial Park Development?
Every great development story has its heroes, and Chickasha’s transformation is no exception. At the center of it all is Chet Hitt, the Apple Valley, California native who saw potential where others saw empty farmland.
Hitt paid $1.358 million for the 280 acres – $4,850 per acre, but his investment in Chickasha goes far deeper. He’s already invested an estimated $4 million in multiple commercial redevelopment projects in downtown Chickasha – primarily the $1.4 million renovation of the 123-year-old Savoy Hotel and the nearby Mill Building.
Bond Payne brings impressive credentials to the partnership. As the founder and executive chairman of Citizen Capital, a global investment firm headquartered in Oklahoma City, he brings both financial muscle and political connections. His experience as chief of staff to Governor Stitt from 2020-2022, where he led the state’s strategy for economic development, provides invaluable insight into Oklahoma’s business climate.
Billy Sorenson, founder and CEO of Lightfield Energy, rounds out the leadership team. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lightfield Energy is a national leader in commercial and utility-scale power development. Their expertise in “innovative, behind-the-meter power generation solutions” makes them the perfect partner for Chickasha’s ambitious vision.
Supporting Infrastructure Developments
Power Grid Modernization
The industrial park development is supported by major infrastructure improvements throughout Chickasha. The Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is modernizing 5 miles of high-voltage lines in Grady County, with the project starting in fall 2025. This upgrade is part of a broader plan to improve electrical service reliability as development accelerates across the region.
Water and Sewer Expansion
Critical utility infrastructure is being expanded to support growth. A new water line installation on Ada Sipuel Avenue, completed in May 2025, represents the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure investment necessary to support large-scale development. Hitt has asked the City of Chickasha to build a couple of roads in the industrial park, extend water and sewer lines and provide the requisite water meters.
Airport Infrastructure Synergy
The location next to Chickasha Municipal Airport isn’t coincidental. The airport provides logistics advantages for businesses requiring air cargo capabilities, while the industrial development provides revenue to support airport improvements. All proceeds from the sale of the airport land “will go into the CMAA for future airport investment and development”, creating a virtuous cycle of infrastructure improvement.
Retail and Commercial Growth Supporting Development
The Retail Revolution
While the industrial park grabs headlines, Chickasha’s retail transformation creates the quality of life amenities that attract businesses and workers. South Chickasha is experiencing unprecedented retail growth with major brands establishing operations:
- Chick-fil-A and Scooter’s Coffee at The Woodlands at 4th & Grand
- A brand-new Roaster’s Market location
- Two additional national retailers breaking ground along East Grand Avenue
Expanding Trade Area
Thanks to new retail attractions like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, Chickasha’s trade area now spans 120,000+ people. This expansion brings new revenue to local businesses and demonstrates the regional draw that supports both retail and industrial development.
Think about it: when site selection consultants evaluate locations for major industrial projects, they look at more than just land and utilities. They want to know that their employees can access quality retail, dining, and services. Chickasha’s retail boom directly supports industrial recruitment efforts.
Housing Development Meeting Workforce Demand
Scissortail Crossing: Building for the Future
The industrial park’s success depends on having housing for thousands of new workers. The Scissortail Crossing project, located at 29th Street and Grand Avenue, will feature 46 single-family homes designed for families, professionals, and newcomers looking to settle in Chickasha.
Long-Term Planning with Onward Chickasha
The city isn’t just reacting to growth – it’s planning for it. The Onward Chickasha initiative represents a 25-year planning roadmap that includes the creation of a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) to guide residential zoning, transportation corridors, and green space development.
“The City of Chickasha needs a master plan to prepare for what’s coming,” Hitt said. This recognition of the need for comprehensive planning shows the serious approach being taken to manage growth effectively.
Seven new housing developments are in the planning stage or already under construction, demonstrating the private sector’s confidence in Chickasha’s growth trajectory.
Transportation Infrastructure Supporting Logistics
US-81 Realignment: An $83.2 Million Investment
Major transportation improvements support the industrial development’s logistics needs. The US-81 realignment project, with construction beginning in fall 2025, includes an $83.2 million investment in grading, bridges, and safer routes for both commuters and truck traffic.
For industrial facilities requiring freight transportation, proximity to major highway improvements provides competitive advantages. The timing of the US-81 project aligns perfectly with the industrial park development timeline.
State Highway 19 Reconstruction
The $42 million State Highway 19 reconstruction project, already 30% complete, spans 8.39 miles and modernizes one of the region’s key corridors. This investment in regional connectivity makes Chickasha more attractive for businesses requiring efficient transportation networks.
