Dunn County commits $2 million to Dickinson airport terminal project; commissioners approve contribution

Dunn County commissioners voted to commit $2 million toward the Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport’s proposed new terminal after a presentation by airport officials.

Kelly Braun, representing the Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport, outlined the project and said the full program — terminal, parking, ramp and highway access improvements — is estimated at $53.4 million. "We, have a greenfield location that's basically shovel ready, for the project," Braun said, describing a site south of the existing terminal and work already completed in environmental and runway planning.

Why it matters: The new terminal is designed for modern passenger screening and larger regional aircraft. Braun said the airport saw roughly 26,000 enplanements last year (about 52,000 total passengers) and that existing facilities are at capacity. The proposed terminal would be about 27,000 square feet, add roughly 400 paved parking spaces, include a jet bridge for single-plane entry, and accommodate 76-seat regional aircraft that are replacing older 50-seat planes.

Funding plan and timeline: Braun presented the funding breakdown the airport has assembled: federal participation of about $12 million (targeted for ramp and taxiway work and Highway 22 improvements), $29.2 million in state funding secured during the recent legislative session, and a local funding target of roughly $10.8 million. The airport’s local ask proposes $2 million from the airport authority, $4 million from the City of Dickinson, $4 million from Stark County and $2 million from Dunn County. Braun said construction could begin this fall with completion expected in 2027.

Commission action: Commissioners voted in favor of a motion to provide the $2 million local share for Dunn County; a roll-call vote in the record shows unanimous support among commissioners present.

Officials said the terminal design emphasizes a single-plane entry with modern screening equipment to reduce the need for passengers to remove electronics and other items; it also allows for flexible passenger-holding space that can be expanded for charters or events. Braun said the airport had secured a $2 million design grant from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and that local and regional partners — including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and the Dickinson Museum expansion — are expected to increase passenger traffic.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting transcript and include the airport’s presentation and commissioners’ recorded vote.