The Grand Forks County Commission on Aug. 5 approved an amendment to the UND Aerospace Foundation’s special-use permit for Gorman Field, allowing conversion of a grass operations area to a paved surface and construction of two small support buildings, contingent on compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration regulations and notification to the FAA. The motion passed after extensive public comment and debate about airspace, community notification and federal reviews. "This is an application for an airport," said Todd Leek, a local pilot and UND alumnus, during public comment, noting UND's written request for a 2,500-foot by 50-foot paved runway in a Feb. 19, 2025 letter. Chuck Pino, identified in the meeting as owner of the site and representing Community Aerospace Foundation, told the commission, "It is not an airport," and said the Foundation had obtained letters of support from relevant state and federal test-site partners and coordination on radar frequencies.

Why it matters: residents in Oakville and neighboring Fairfield Township said they were not adequately notified and expressed concerns about noise, night flights, drone operations near homes and the possibility of increased air traffic near Grand Forks Air Force Base. County staff and several commissioners cited limits on local authority over airspace and the FAA’s regulatory role, but also noted ongoing work on a DOD-funded compatibility study meant to guide future land-use policy near the base.

Most important facts: The Sanford/UND packet presented a planned 2,500-by-50-foot paved runway in its Feb. 19, 2025 request; public commenters said the original 2021–2022 UND application showed only a small building and a drone pad and that no FAA notice of intent (Form 7480-1) appears in FAA Bismarck records. County planning staff recommended approval with a condition requiring compliance with FAA regulations. Commissioners discussed the timeline for a federal or military compatibility study — estimated by county staff to take 12–18 months in its current scope — and whether to wait for that final report before acting. Ultimately, the commission approved the permit amendment with an explicit condition that applicable FAA regulations be followed and with staff directed to notify the FAA immediately if the amendment is approved.

Supporting details and background: Residents described longstanding rural uses at the site, concerns about loss of small-fringe wildlife habitat and disruption to farming and training activities. Several speakers, including Todd Leek, cited Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Part 157) and FAA procedures for notice of intent to construct or activate an airport or runway; Leek said he had contacted the FAA’s Bismarck Airport District Office and found no filed notice for a 1,500-foot grass runway that had been mentioned at earlier meetings. County planning staff reminded the commission that zoning and siting decisions are separate from FAA determinations; the recommended permit condition states that all FAA regulations must be followed and that any FAA determinations or notices of violation be reported to the county. Senator Jeff Barter (District 43), who spoke to the compatibility bill he sponsored, described Senate Bill 2398 as a vehicle to fund and organize a multi-jurisdictional compatibility study and committee to protect mission-critical military operations from land-use encroachment.

What the commission directed next: County planning staff will notify the FAA about the approved amendment, per a commissioner’s request; the commission also encouraged DOCR and the wing commander to accelerate any ongoing study segments that affect Gorman Field. Commissioners noted the county cannot regulate airspace and advised residents to file FAA complaints if they believe drone or aircraft operations violate federal rules.

Ending note: The approval lets UND Aerospace Foundation move forward with its ground improvements under county zoning while leaving FAA aeronautical determinations, potential federal objections and the outcome of the compatibility study as separate, external processes that could affect future operations at Gorman Field.