The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has finalized and approved approximately $19.2 million in state infrastructure grant allocations for public airports across North Dakota. The investments will support critical maintenance, safety, and development projects at both commercial service and general aviation airports, helping strengthen the long-term reliability and performance of the state’s aviation system.
The funding comes as North Dakota continues to experience strong demand for air travel, with statewide airline passenger activity reaching record levels in recent years.
Of the total allocation, approximately $12.6 million will support major infrastructure projects at North Dakota’s commercial service airports, while approximately $6.6 million has been awarded for projects at general aviation airports. In total, 191 individual projects at 63 public-use airports received funding through this state grant round.
State aviation grant funding also plays a critical role in leveraging substantial federal investments available through programs such as the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), and the Airport Terminal Program (ATP). By providing the required local and state matching funds, these investments help North Dakota communities maximize federal participation in airport infrastructure improvements.
“North Dakota’s airports are essential to the state’s economy, connectivity, and quality of life,” said Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “These investments will help communities maintain safe and reliable infrastructure, support continued growth in air travel and aviation activity, and ensure that our airport system remains well-positioned to serve North Dakota’s needs for many years to come.”
Major Funding Sources:
· $14 million is provided through the Airport Infrastructure Fund, created under the 2019 “Operation Prairie Dog” legislation which utilizes oil and gas tax revenues to support the long-term development and maintenance of North Dakota’s 89 public-use airports.
· $4.7 million is drawn from the Aeronautics Commission’s Special Fund, which is primarily supported by state aviation fuel and aircraft sales tax revenues.
· $0.5 million comes from a direct legislative appropriation of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIIF) dollars. These funds have been directed toward generational airport projects at the Fargo, Grand Forks, and Dickinson airports.
Highlights of Commercial Service Airport Projects:
- Commercial Terminal Apron Expansion at the Fargo Hector International Airport
- Primary Runway Reconstruction at the Grand Forks International Airport
- Commercial Terminal Expansion Design at the Bismarck Municipal Airport
- Crosswind Runway Rehabilitation at the Minot International Airport
- Commercial Terminal Building Remodel at the Jamestown Regional Airport
- Airfield Pavement Rehabilitation at the Devils Lake Regional Airport
- Construct Public Hangar at the Williston Basin International Airport
View the Commercial Service Airport Grant Awards
Highlights of General Aviation Airport Projects:
- Primary Runway Rehabilitations at the Rugby and Wishek Municipal Airports
- Airfield Pavement Seal Coats at the Glen Ullin, Larimore, Lisbon, Mott, and Valley City Municipal Airports
- Taxiway Construction at the Killdeer Airport
- Airfield Lighting Rehabiliations at the Beach, Carrington, Lakota, Pembina, and Rolla Municipal Airports
- FAA Weather Camera Installations at the Ellendale, Mandan, Parshall,Wahpeton, Watford City, and Westhope Municipal Airports
- AWOS replacement at the Cooperstown Municipal Airport
View the General Aviation Airport Grant Awards
Additional information on North Dakota’s Airport System
North Dakota has 89 public-use airports with varying levels of infrastructure requirements that need to be maintained and enhanced. Airports are economic drivers for our communities and allow for the efficient movement of people, goods, and services throughout the state.
The airports throughout North Dakota cumulatively have approximately 61 million square feet of pavements that need to be maintained in order to ensure the safe operating environment for aircraft. Airport development needs have also continued to grow throughout the years and the current North Dakota statewide capital improvement plan has identified an estimated $1.1 billion of airport improvement project work that will need to be prioritized over the next 10 years.
The Economic Impact of North Dakota’s Airport System
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission is working to finalize a comprehensive statewide study to estimate the annual economic impact of the state’s 89 public-use airports. The results showed that these airports contribute approximately $1.8 billion in economic output each year to North Dakota’s economy, supporting over 13,600 jobs and generating more than $750 million in annual payroll.
The full results of the new economic impact of aviation study is expected to be released during the Summer of 2026.
