Aeronautics commission seeks $120 million for three "generational" airport projects and asks for continuing funds

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission told the House Appropriations — Government Operations Division it needs a one‑time $120 million state allocation to support three large, long‑lifecycle airport projects — projects the agency called “generational” because they typically come once every 20–30 years. Director Kyle Wanner said the request is part of Senate Bill 2,006, the Aeronautics Commission budget bill.

Wanner said the commission also anticipates using up to $20 million from the state airport infrastructure ("prairie dog") fund, subject to available oil revenue deposits, and that federal grants already leveraged large investments: during the past biennium North Dakota airports secured about $177 million in federal aid and the state dispersed roughly $36 million in airport infrastructure grants for more than 370 projects.

The three projects Wanner highlighted are Fargo’s Hector International Airport terminal expansion (add gates and apron; project total shown in testimony), reconstruction of Grand Forks’ primary runway (pavement more than 60 years old), and a new greenfield passenger terminal at Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport to meet passenger growth and new security/aircraft requirements. Wanner said the projects are advanced in planning and have environmental and program clearances or expect those clearances soon.

Wanner emphasized the commission’s routine work as well: airport infrastructure grants to 89 public‑use airports, a statewide maintenance contract for 26 AWOS weather systems, aviation education grants, and agency ownership/operation of two small airports (International Peace Garden Airport and Garrison Dam Recreational Airport). He told the committee the Aeronautics Commission currently supports about 61 million square feet of pavement across the system and uses a pavement condition index to prioritize maintenance.

Committee members asked about grant mechanics and matching requirements, and Wanner said federal funding often covers up to 90% of airfield projects but varies; the commission typically seeks state/local matching funds and sometimes higher local participation depending on project justification. He explained the airport infrastructure fund has been used for projects that do not qualify for federal aid and that the Bank of North Dakota infrastructure loan program can help communities manage cash flow for large projects.

Several airport officials testified in support: Grand Forks’ executive director Ryan Reisinger, Fargo’s executive director Sean Doberstein and Dickinson airport manager Kelly Braun outlined project justifications, local funding sources, bid timing and local match plans. Fargo said current terminals and gate areas are constrained by aircraft up‑gauging and record passenger loads; Dickinson said it will build a 27,000‑square‑foot greenfield terminal to replace a 10,000‑square‑foot building and handle a growing passenger load (Dickinson projected more than 50,000 passengers last year compared with prior capacity of roughly 9,000).

Wanner also asked the committee to approve a carryover appropriation for an International Peace Garden Airport rehabilitation project delayed into the next biennium; contractors postponed work after federal funds were allocated late in the 2024 fiscal year. The commission asked that the previously appropriated amounts carry forward so the project can proceed in 2025.

No committee vote was recorded on the floor; testimony concluded with airport representatives asking the panel to pass Senate Bill 2,006 and committee members asking for additional project and financing detail related to local matches and revolving loan fund availability.