Photo above – The ND Aeronautics Commission held its annual public grant meeting on June 5th in the Bismarck Airport commercial terminal. Pictured above are members of the Aeronautics Commission, staff members, and commercial service airport managers who were in attendance at the meeting.
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has finalized and approved $81.6 million in state infrastructure grant allocations for public airports across North Dakota. These investments will support critical maintenance and development projects at both commercial service and general aviation airports, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and long-term viability of the state’s aviation network.
These investments also come at a time when the state has seen twelve consecutive months of record-breaking airline passenger records.
These state grants also serve to match and leverage significant federal funding that has been made available through programs such as the Airport Infrastructure Program (AIP), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – Airport Terminal Program (ATP).
“This funding demonstrates North Dakota’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong and resilient aviation system that serves our businesses, citizens, and visitors,” said Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “By strategically aligning state and federal resources, we are helping communities address critical infrastructure needs while also planning for future growth. These investments will enhance safety, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that our airports remain vital gateways for commerce and connectivity—both today and for generations to come.”
Of the total allocation, $78.1 million will support major infrastructure projects at North Dakota’s commercial service airports, while $3.5 million has been awarded for projects at general aviation airports. In total, 182 individual projects at 61 public-use airports have received funding in this state grant round.
“Today marks a historic day for North Dakota’s aviation system. With deep gratitude to our dedicated aeronautics staff, airport managers, state legislators, and governors—both Governor Burgum and Governor Armstrong—we celebrate the strength of our public-use airports through the award of $81.6 million in infrastructure grants. These investments position our state to support continued growth in air cargo, agricultural aviation, pilot training, emergency services, and commercial air travel. By strategically leveraging state funds with federal allocations from the FAA, we are committed to enhancing airport facilities that serve the citizens of North Dakota. Thank you to everyone who continues to champion aviation across our great state,” stated Kim Kenville, Chair of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.
View the Commercial Service Airport Grant Awards
View the General Aviation Airport Grant Awards
Major Funding Sources
- $70.3 million comes from a direct appropriation of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIIF) dollars through Senate Bill 2006 which was approved by the 69th Legislative Assembly and signed into law by Governor Armstrong. These funds are being directed toward generational airport projects at the Fargo, Grand Forks, and Dickinson airports.
- $5.9 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.
- $5.4 million is drawn from the Aeronautics Commission’s Special Fund, which is primarily supported by state aviation fuel and aircraft sales tax revenues.
Highlights of Commercial Service Airport Projects:
- Expansion of the commercial terminal at the Fargo – Hector International Airport
- New commercial terminal construction at the Dickinson – Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport
- Primary runway reconstruction at the Grand Forks International Airport
- Taxiway reconstruction at the Bismarck Municipal Airport
- Installation of airfield utilities at the Minot International Airport
Highlights of General Aviation Airport Projects:
- Primary Runway rehabilitations at the Cavalier, Cooperstown, and Standing Rock Municipal Airports
- Pavement seal coats at the Cando, Hettinger, Hazen, West Fargo, and Tioga Municipal Airports
- Taxiway construction at the Langdon and Washurn Municipal Airports
- Drainage improvements at the Mohall Municipal Airport
- Terminal building construction at the Northwood Municipal Airport
- Apron construction at the Stanley Municipal Airport
- Taxiway lighting installation at the Wahpeton Municipal Airport
- FAA weather camera installations at the Casselton, Cavalier, Kindred, Maddock, Mayville, Rugby, and Valley City Municipal Airports
- Fuel system construction at the Ashley Municipal Airport
These grant awards reflect the state’s commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and modern aviation system that supports both local communities and North Dakota’s role in the worldwide economy.
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 $1.2 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
In 2015, the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission completed 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 $1.6 billion each year to North Dakota’s economy, supporting over 12,200 jobs and generating more than $500 million in annual payroll. Additional details on the 2015 study are available on the Aeronautics Commission’s website.
The state is currently in the process of updating this study, with the results expected to be released in Spring 2026. More information on the ongoing study can be found on the project homepage.
