The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission finalized approximately $5 million in state infrastructure grant allocations to multiple public airports throughout North Dakota. One hundred and two individual projects have received grant awards at 53 different public-use airports throughout the state.
A majority of the grant allocations are made possible from the Aeronautics Commission’s Special Fund where the primary revenue source is derived from state tax collections on aviation fuel and aircraft sales. These state grants are critical in maintaining the needed infrastructure to support the aviation industry, which is a major contributor to the state’s economy and standard of living.
“These state airport grant allocations will help to supplement the funding of high priority airport projects within North Dakota while at the same time ensuring that our statewide aviation system is being maintained. These grants will also help to create jobs within our communities and will greatly assist our airports as they help our economy rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.” stated Kyle Wanner, the Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.
Airline Passenger Boardings Continue Positive Trend
North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 69,285 airline passenger boardings during the month of May. The demand for air travel has seen a steady recovery in recent months and has currently leveled to approximately 30% below pre-pandemic numbers. The industry has attributed the recent passenger growth to a recovery in leisure travel that has been ongoing due to warmer weather and a release of penned up demand.
“We hope that the current trends continue and that our state maintains and grows in its demand for airline services as we move into the summer months.” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “Aviation is one of the safest ways to travel and I encourage everyone to consider their local airport as an option as they make any future travel plans.”
