Central ND News

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has announced the approval of $81.6 million in state infrastructure grants for public airports throughout North Dakota. These funds are aimed at supporting maintenance and development projects to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the state's aviation network.

The grants coincide with a year-long period of record-breaking airline passenger numbers in the state. The state funding is designed to complement federal resources from programs such as the Airport Infrastructure Program (AIP), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), and the Airport Terminal Program (ATP).

“This funding demonstrates North Dakota’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong and resilient aviation system that serves our businesses, citizens, and visitors,” stated Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. He added that these investments would enhance safety, expand economic opportunities, and maintain airports as vital gateways for commerce.

Out of the total allocation, $78.1 million will be directed towards major projects at commercial service airports while $3.5 million will support general aviation airport projects. A total of 182 individual projects across 61 public-use airports received funding.

Kim Kenville, Chair of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, remarked on this milestone: “Today marks a historic day for North Dakota's aviation system... These investments position our state to support continued growth in air cargo, agricultural aviation, pilot training, emergency services, and commercial air travel.”

Key funding sources include $70.3 million from Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund dollars appropriated through Senate Bill 2006 signed by Governor Armstrong; $5.9 million from the Airport Infrastructure Fund created under 2019’s "Operation Prairie Dog" legislation; and $5.4 million from the Aeronautics Commission’s Special Fund supported by state aviation fuel and aircraft sales tax revenues.

Highlighted commercial service airport projects include terminal expansions at Fargo – Hector International Airport and new construction at Dickinson – Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport among others.

General aviation airport projects feature runway rehabilitations at several municipal airports including Cavalier and Cooperstown along with various improvements like taxiway construction and weather camera installations.

These awards reflect North Dakota's dedication to maintaining an effective aviation system that supports both local communities and its role in global trade.

The annual public grant meeting was held on June 5th at Bismarck Airport's commercial terminal where members of the commission gathered alongside staff members and airport managers.