(GRAND FORKS, N.D.) – U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and officials from the Grand Forks International Airport took part in a ceremony here today to mark the beginning construction of a new passenger terminal.
Dorgan, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Aviation subcommittee in the Senate, helped secure over $9.1 million in federal funding, including $4.4 million from the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, for construction costs.
“The new terminal promises to be a first-rate facility that will be utilized for many years to come by travelers throughout the area.” Dorgan said. “For many visitors, this new building will be their introduction to Grand Forks. This terminal will give them a first-class welcome to a first-class city.”
A new terminal building is long overdue, as the current terminal has been found to be inadequate in many areas. Grand Forks Airport officials are very thankful for Dorgan’s help, and are looking forward to the new amenities a new terminal will bring.
“We greatly appreciate the commitment from Senator Dorgan to make this project happen for Grand Forks,” said Grand Forks Airport Manager Patrick Dame. “The new airline terminal is a major step in building the future of air service in Grand Forks, and we are extremely excited about the opportunities.”
The new airline terminal is being constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. One example is the use of geothermal for the heating and cooling of the building. The building is approximately 48,000 square feet, twice the size of the existing facility, and will have two levels.
