Peace Garden News

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded more than $31 million in grants to airports across North Dakota, according to an announcement from Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Committee. The largest portion of this funding, $13.4 million, will go to Hector International Airport for a terminal expansion project.

The funds for Hector International Airport will support an expansion of 35,245 square feet to the terminal building. This includes four new boarding gates and the construction of a new apron area. Senator Hoeven stated that he has secured over $53 million in federal funding for the Hector Terminal Expansion Project so far and is working to obtain an additional $17 million. The full project is scheduled for completion in 2027.

The planned improvements at Hector International Airport also include a parking garage with an elevated walkway expected to open later this year. The terminal expansion will provide renovations for five existing gates alongside the addition of four new ones. The expanded apron aims to accommodate increased air traffic and ground operations.

Other airports in North Dakota are set to receive grants for infrastructure projects focused on safety enhancements and facility upgrades. Bismarck Municipal Airport will get $10.3 million for taxiway and runway rehabilitation as well as lighting reconstruction and safety area construction. Cooperstown Municipal Airport is receiving $1.3 million for taxilane construction and runway rehabilitation.

Additional grants have been allocated as follows: nearly $1.3 million to Cavalier Municipal Airport for runway rehabilitation; $1.1 million to Robertson Field in Langdon for a new taxiway; $818,010 to Harry Stern Airport in Wahpeton for taxiway lighting installation; and several other awards ranging from about $100,000 to over $600,000 for projects such as drainage improvements, pavement reconstruction, hangar construction, snow removal equipment replacement or storage buildings at airports including Mohall Municipal Airport, Lakota Municipal Airport, Hutson Field in Grafton, Kenmare Municipal Airport, Watford City Municipal Airport, Hettinger/JB Lindquist Regional Airport, Tioga Municipal Airport, Walhalla Municipal Airport and Mercer County Regional Airport.

“These federal investments in North Dakota’s airports are vital to supporting our state’s economic growth and improving connectivity for communities across our state,” said Hoeven. “With this additional $13.4 million, we’ve now secured more than $53 million for the Hector Terminal Expansion Project. This project will modernize and increase capacity at the Fargo Airport and ensure we’re able to safely and efficiently meet the needs of travelers. Collectively, this funding will enhance safety, extend the life of critical facilities, and position our airports to meet future demand. Strong airports are essential to North Dakota’s prosperity, creating jobs, attracting new businesses, and connecting our residents to the rest of the country and the world.”