Williston to solicit FAA‑requested RFQ for airport engineering; commission endorses mayor’s relocation plan

The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted Nov. 16 to seek qualifications for engineering services for the city’s airport relocation after the Federal Aviation Administration requested a re‑selection, and later unanimously endorsed the mayor’s public comments supporting the move.

Steve Kjergaard told commissioners the FAA had updated its engineer‑selection process and asked the city to go through a re‑selection (RFQ) for engineering services related to the relocation. Kjergaard asked that proposals be routed to the airport committee for review and recommended obtaining a written letter from the FAA documenting the request. Commissioners approved issuing the request for qualifications contingent on receiving FAA documentation (motion by Brad Bekkedahl, second Chris Brostuen; carried 5–0).

Mayor Howard Klug reiterated that the mayor’s office “is firmly committed to a plan that’s been in place, that’s been worked on for three years,” and described improved road connections and the relocation’s potential to make Williston a regional center. Klug said the move and repurposing of the existing facility would benefit northwest North Dakota and neighboring regions. Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl moved and Commissioner Brostuen seconded a motion formally endorsing the mayor’s comments and supporting the current status of the relocation; that motion passed 5–0.

The RFQ is part of a recurring selection process: Kjergaard noted engineering selection is typically completed every five years under FAA guidance to remain eligible for federal funding. The commission asked staff to obtain FAA documentation to support the timing of the re‑selection process. No firm contracting decisions were recorded at the meeting.