WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 22, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $5 million in federal funding for airport infrastructure in North Dakota.
“In North Dakota, we need a strong transportation infrastructure to keep up with the demand and growth in our state,” said Heitkamp. “This funding is a major step in providing security and safety to those using airport services across the state. Investing in and improving our aviation systems are critical for continued growth across North Dakota. In the past few weeks I’ve met with community members and leaders to make sure all sides are working together to help address our state’s unique challenges in the wake of our energy boom, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure our rural and more bustling areas are supported by strong federal partnerships that keep our communities, and our economies, strong and safe.”
The funding is distributed as follows:
- City of Fargo Municipal Airport Authority – Total of $8,892,907. In addition to the funding announced earlier this week, the City of Fargo Municipal Airport Authority has been awarded an additional $2,892,907 to rehabilitate the taxiway at Hector International Airport.
- Dickinson Municipal Airport Authority – Total of $550,000. In addition to the funding announced earlier this week, the Dickinson Municipal Airport Authority has been awarded an additional $150,000 to extend the runway safety area and conduct an environmental study at Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport.
- Devils Lake Airport Authority – Total of $3,100,000. In addition to the funding announced earlier this week, the Devils Lake Airport Authority has been awarded an additional $1,000,000 to construct a runway safety area and assess wildlife hazards at Devils Lake Regional Airport.
- Glenn Ullin Municipal Airport Authority – Total of $202,500. The Glen Ullin Municipal Airport Authority has been awarded $202, 500 for runway rehabilitation.
- Standing Rock Tribe – Total of $403,000. The Standing Rock Tribe has been awarded $403,000 for runway rehabilitation and safety improvements, terminal construction, and taxiway rehabilitation at the Standing Rock Airport.
- State of North Dakota – Total of $441,756. The state of North Dakota has been awarded $441,756 for updating the state aviation system pavement management system study.
The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Last week, Heitkamp met with Devils Lake Mayor Dick Johnson and Devils Lake Regional Airport Board to discuss the positive economic impact that reliable air service has had on the area, and the need to make sure Essential Air Service continues to make air travel to Devils Lake possible.
In April 2014, Heitkamp brought Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta to North Dakota to see firsthand the aviation challenges facing the western part of the state. During the visit, Huerta traveled to Williston and learned more about the drastic rise in passenger enplanements, placing major stress on airport infrastructure.
