$81.6 Million Awarded for Airport Infrastructure Grants

$81.6 Million Awarded for Airport Infrastructure Grants

Posted 6/05/25 (Thu)

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has finalized and approved $81.6 million in state infrastructure grant allocations for public airports across North Dakota. These investments will support critical maintenance and development projects at both commercial service and general aviation airports, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and long-term viability of the state's aviation network.

These investments also come at a time where the state has seen twelve consecutive months of record-breaking airline passenger records.

These state grants also serve to match and leverage significant federal funding that has been made available through programs such as the Airport Infrastructure Program (AIP), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - 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," said Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. "By strategically aligning state and federal resources, we are helping communities address critical infrastructure needs while also planning for future growth. These investments will enhance safety, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that our airports remain vital gateways for commerce and connectivity-both today and for generations to come."

Of the total allocation, $78.1 million will support major infrastructure projects at North Dakota's commercial service airports, while $3.5 million has been awarded for projects at general aviation airports. In total, 182 individual projects at 61 public-use airports have received funding in this state grant round.

"Today marks a historic day for North Dakota's aviation system. With deep gratitude to our dedicated aeronautics staff, airport managers, state legislators, and governors-both Governor Burgum and Governor Armstrong-we celebrate the strength of our public-use airports through the award of $81.6 million in infrastructure grants. These investments position our state to support continued growth in air cargo, agricultural aviation, pilot training, emergency services, and commercial air travel. By strategically leveraging state funds with federal allocations from the FAA, we are committed to enhancing airport facilities that serve the citizens of North Dakota. Thank you to everyone who continues to champion aviation across our great state," stated Kim Kenville, Chair of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

2025 Commercial Service Airport Grant Awards

2025 General Aviation Airport Grant Awards

Major Funding Sources

· $70.3 millioncomes from a direct appropriation of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIIF) dollars through Senate Bill 2006which was approved by the 69th Legislative Assembly and signed into law by Governor Armstrong. These funds are being directed toward generational airport projects at the Fargo, Grand Forks, and Dickinson airports.

· $5.9 millionis provided through the Airport Infrastructure Fund, created under the

2019 "Operation Prairie Dog" legislation which utilizes oil and gas tax revenues to support the long-term development and maintenance of North Dakota's 89 public-use airports.

· $5.4 millionis drawn from the Aeronautics Commission's Special Fund, which is primarily supported by state aviation fuel and aircraft sales tax revenues.

Highlights of Commercial Service Airport Projects:

• Expansion of the commercial terminalat the Fargo - Hector International Airport
• New commercial terminal constructionat the Dickinson - Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport
• Primary runway reconstructionat the Grand Forks International Airport
• Taxiway reconstructionat the Bismarck Municipal Airport
• Installation of airfield utilitiesat the Minot International Airport

Highlights of General Aviation Airport Projects:

• Primary Runway rehabilitationsat the Cavalier, Cooperstown, and Standing Rock Municipal Airports
• Pavement seal coatsat the Cando, Hettinger, Hazen, West Fargo, and Tioga Municipal Airports
• Taxiway constructionat the Langdon and Washurn Municipal Airports
• Drainage improvementsat the Mohall Municipal Airport
• Terminal building constructionat the Northwood Municipal Airport
• Apron constructionat the Stanley Municipal Airport
• Taxiway lighting installationat the Wahpeton Municipal Airport
• FAA weather camera installationsat the Casselton, Cavalier, Kindred, Maddock, Mayville, Rugby, and Valley City Municipal Airports
• Fuel system constructionat the Ashley Municipal Airport

These grant awards reflect the state's commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and modern aviation system that supports both local communities and North Dakota's role in the worldwide economy.

The ND Aeronautics Commission held it's annual public grant meeting on June 5th in the Bismarck Airport commercial terminal. Pictured above are members of the Aeronautics Commission, staff members, and commercial service airport managers who were in attendance at the meeting.