Peace Garden News

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allocated $15,157,068 to Grand Forks International Airport for infrastructure improvements. The funding will go toward the reconstruction and upgrade of the airport’s primary runway and taxiway pavement and lighting. These components have reached the end of their operational lifespan. The grant is part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and supports a multi-phase project, which is expected to cost around $60 million in total, with nearly $40 million provided through federal funds. Construction on the runway is scheduled to occur from 2026 through 2028.

Grand Forks International Airport is undergoing a multi-year expansion intended to enhance safety and boost capacity for both commercial flights and University of North Dakota (UND) flight training operations. The airport completed a five-year, $70 million reconstruction and extension of its crosswind runway last fall, allowing it to maintain regular operations during the upcoming primary runway work.

Additionally, the FAA will begin building a new air traffic control tower at Grand Forks International Airport. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for this fully federally funded project will be issued within two months.

“Grand Forks International Airport consistently ranks as one of the top 25 busiest airports in the country due to the dynamic and growing economy in the Grand Forks region and the world-leading aviation school at the University of North Dakota. We are working to ensure our airport infrastructure can meet air service demand now and into the future,” said Hoeven. “We set the stage for the reconstruction of the primary runway with our work to secure more than $50 million in federal funding for the crosswind runway, which we completed last fall. These efforts in Grand Forks build upon our work across the state to expand our airports in line with the strong economic growth we’ve supported over the past two decades.”