Aeronautics Commission asks Legislature to fund $120 million in one‑time projects, cites $1.2 billion needs over 10 years

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission urged the Senate Appropriations — Education & Environment Division to support its budget request, outlining routine operations, grant activity and a proposed $120 million one‑time allocation to fund three major airport projects.

At the hearing, Kyle Wanner, director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, described the agency’s scope and financing and said the commission oversees airport infrastructure grants, aircraft registration, dealer and applicator licensing, and collection of aircraft excise and aviation fuel taxes. "The commission administers state aviation laws relevant to aircraft registration, aircraft dealers, air applicators, and the collection of aircraft excise and aviation fuel taxes," Wanner said.

The agency told legislators it administers grants and technical assistance for 89 public‑use airports in the state, 71 of which have paved runways and 18 of which have turf only. Fifty‑four airports are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems and are eligible for federal funding; the remaining 35 rely primarily on state and local support. Wanner said the commission manages a statewide maintenance contract…