North Dakota lawmakers explore internal flight options to enhance state transportation

In a recent North Dakota House Appropriations meeting, lawmakers discussed the potential for a state-run internal flight service to enhance transportation efficiency across the state. The proposal suggests establishing regular flights to key locations such as Fargo and Grand Forks, allowing state officials and legislators to travel more effectively for meetings and engagements.

Representative Kemp highlighted the need for better utilization of existing state aircraft, noting that the current underuse leads to higher maintenance costs. "The less you use them, the more expensive it gets," he stated, emphasizing that regular flights could justify the operational expenses and improve the condition of the planes through consistent use.

The conversation also touched on the possibility of chartering planes as a cost-effective alternative to maintaining the state’s fleet. However, concerns were raised about the regulatory framework governing state aircraft, particularly following past incidents that have led to stricter safety requirements for flights involving state officials.

While some representatives expressed skepticism about the feasibility of implementing such a service in the near term, the discussion underscored a growing recognition of the need for efficient transportation solutions within North Dakota. The committee is expected to revisit the topic in future sessions, as lawmakers weigh the costs and benefits of enhancing state air travel capabilities.