Williston selects developer to pursue hangar project; approves airfield contract change order

The Williston City Commission on Nov. 10 approved a change order that reduces the Hi-Lite Airfield pavement maintenance contract by $32,567.65 and voted to advance negotiations with Overland Aviation on a new hangar development.

Airport Director Anthony Dudas told the commission the change order brings the pavement project to $365,250.35; funding for that project is 90% from the Federal Aviation Administration, 5% from the State of North Dakota and 5% from the City. The commission approved Change Order 1 by voice vote, 5-0 (motion by Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl, seconded by Commissioner Victoria Siemieniewski).

Dudas also summarized the hangar proposal process. A single proposal from Overland Aviation would design, construct and operate an approximately 15,000-square-foot hangar. The project is estimated at $4,400,000 and is supported by a $4,180,000 federal grant; the remaining roughly 5% is expected to be covered by the airport and a State grant that has not yet been approved. Dudas said the FAA grant will not fund vehicle parking but will fund pavement to connect the hangar to aircraft pavements; Overland has offered to fund up to $500,000 of federally ineligible improvements such as maintenance offices and restrooms.

Overland requested a 34-year lease term to align with an existing facility lease and proposed a $5,000 per month rent. The commission voted to recommend selecting Overland Aviation to proceed with design input and negotiation of a development and lease agreement (motion by Commissioner Lucas Gjovig, seconded by Commissioner Victoria Siemieniewski); the motion carried 5-0.

The proposed development and the final lease will return to the commission for review and approval after design and negotiation. The State match for the hangar project remains subject to approval in the 2026 grant process.