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Williston outlines $250 million plan to relocate airport after FAA issues FONSI
Summary
At a special Oct. 5 meeting, Williston officials and KLJ consultants reviewed a plan to relocate Sloulin Field, saying the FAA issued a "finding of no significant impact," while project leads outlined a 2016'18 schedule and preliminary funding that includes state Energy Impact funds and FAA grants.
Williston Mayor Howard Klug and city commissioners on Oct. 5 heard detailed plans from KLJ consultants for relocating the city's airport, a project KLJ estimated would cost roughly $250 million and could be completed by fall 2018.
KLJ said the Federal Aviation Administration issued a "finding of no significant impact" for the Environmental Assessment and that the city is pursuing federal funding through a Letter of Intent (LOI). Tom Shauer of KLJ said the project's momentum stems from "unprecedented demand, unwavering support from the City, team effort, congressional support, relentless drive and relationships with FAA and the ND Aeronautics Commission."
KLJ's Mason Short described the scale of work required, saying the new primary runway would be about 7,500 feet long and 150 feet wide to accommodate larger narrow-body aircraft and that construction would include two runways, parallel taxiways, 17.5 acres of apron, 18 acres of parking and extensive access roads. "The goal right now is to finish the new airport by the fall of 2018 at a cost of approximately $250 million," Short said.
Consultants told the board that building the new airport will require extending utilities (including an on-site sewage treatment facility), improving drainage, providing firefighting and snow-removal capabilities, installing navigational aids (the FAA's responsibility) and meeting EPA and state standards for new fuel systems. KLJ noted the FAA will need about two years to develop approach procedures specific to the new field.
On schedule, KLJ presented a phased timeline: land acquisition and design work in 2015'16, terminal design and bidding in spring 2016, site grading and utility installation in 2016, major airfield construction in 2017 and terminal and safety-rescue facilities finishing in 2018. KLJ representatives said appraisals and title work are under way and that appraisals would be reviewed to meet federal standards, with negotiations targeted for completion by March 2016.
Financial details presented to the board included $58 million in State of North Dakota Energy Impact funds committed to the project, a $27 million FAA grant for the first phase, LOI language that referenced $120 million in discretionary funds and $25 million in annual entitlements over roughly 10'12 years, and an anticipated local share of about $56 million contingent on sale of the existing airport property. KLJ cautioned that the total federal discretionary funding and the reimbursement schedule remain unresolved.
Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl asked about contractor schedules and keeping work on time, and consultants said continued coordination with the FAA, state and city would be necessary. The commission agreed to receive monthly updates as the project proceeds.
The meeting concluded with a motion by Commissioner Bekkedahl, seconded by Commissioner Tate Cymbaluk, to adjourn; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The City will continue to pursue LOI details with the FAA and begin land-acquisition and design tasks in the coming months, with further public updates planned as those steps advance.
