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Williston commission approves XWA contract closeouts, advertises farming leases and grants utility easement
Summary
The Board approved multiple contract amendments to finalize engineering work at the Williston Basin International Airport (XWA), authorized advertising short-term farming leases for three parcels and approved a $1 easement to MDU for natural‑gas utilities; all motions passed 5-0.
The Williston Board of City Commissioners on May 10 approved a series of actions to move the Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) project toward final closeout while opening short‑term revenue opportunities for local land use.
Airport Director Anthony Dudas asked the commission to advertise proposed farming and grazing plans for three parcels at XWA — Area 1 (201 tillable acres), Area 2 (185 tillable acres) and Area 3 (124 pasture acres) — under one‑year leases (with FAA approval) and then re‑advertise for multi‑year leases after a planned wildlife study. "We anticipate a one‑year lease with an option to extend for a second year, then re‑advertise for five‑year periods pending FAA input," Dudas said. Commissioners voted 5‑0 to advertise the proposals after brief questions about timing and bidder interest.
Separately, the commission approved several contract amendments that reconcile work billed to date from KLJ Engineering as project responsibilities shifted to Ulteig Engineering. The amendments cover multiple task orders (including site grading, terminal surcharge monitoring and wastewater design closeouts); the staff recommendation noted KLJ completed the listed work and the amendments align invoicing and federal closeout requirements. Those votes were unanimous.
The board also granted a utility easement to MDU permitting installation and maintenance of natural‑gas utilities serving the commercial terminal, fire station and other airport infrastructure for the nominal consideration of $1.00. The easement includes provisions for access and notification when on the airfield. Dudas said easements are mapped and the city is working to add as‑built utilities into a GIS system to clarify locations.
Why it matters: Finalizing engineering task orders and securing easements clear administrative hurdles to FAA closeout and to continued airport construction. Advertising leases for farming can temporarily utilize land that will not be disturbed during ongoing work and may generate modest revenue, while FAA wildlife-study requirements could affect longer-term lease terms.
The commission handled the items under the airport reports section; each motion passed without recorded opposition.
