Earlier this summer, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) launched the South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP) following the successful passage of Senate Bill 144 in the 2024 legislative session. This bill allocated $10 million in funding to support airport terminal projects across the state, representing a significant investment in enhancing South Dakota’s aviation infrastructure.
“The SDATP funds will play pivotal role in strengthening the aviation infrastructure and enhancing economic development in our state,” said Joel Jundt, Transportation Secretary. “The SDATP will help our South Dakota airports meet growing demands and improve services for residents and visitors alike.”
On Thursday, July 18, 2024, SDATP fund requests were reviewed and awarded during the regularly scheduled Aeronautics Commission meeting. Following is a list of airport facilities who were awarded SDATP funds for terminal projects.
Airport Facility and SDATP Allocation:
- Aberdeen: $1,2000,000
- Hot Springs: $27,000
- Rapid City: $3,047,126
- Sioux Falls: $2,561,801
- Spearfish: $1,319,073
- Sturgis: $210,000
- Tea: $735,000
- Watertown: $900,000
The SDATP funds are unique, as they are one-time appropriations distinct from the traditional Aeronautics Commission policies. SDATP funds are designated strictly for construction reimbursement and exclude costs related to project planning, design, and administration. Local community effort and funding were critical components for consideration.
Eligible projects for SDATP funding had to meet stringent criteria:
- Projects must be part of the Airport Capital Improvement Plan or included in the National Plan of Integrated Airports (NPIAS) submitted yearly to the state.
- Projects must receive federal funding through at least one year of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) federal entitlements and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) allocation. This includes having submitted an application, awarded a grant, or committed to applying in the next federal funding round for federal discretionary funds.
- Projects must not have been completed by the application deadline and must be scheduled to receive federal discretionary grants by Monday, Sept. 30, 2025, to retain eligibility.
