FAA Invests $3.5M in North Dakota Airport Upgrades
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 30, 2025 – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, has awarded $3,493,701 to 10 airports across North Dakota to support infrastructure improvements and enhance airfield safety. The funds come from the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“This funding represents our continued commitment to upgrading critical aviation infrastructure and ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of airports across North Dakota,” said Senator Kevin Cramer, who announced the grant awards.
The awarded projects range from snow removal equipment facilities to runway and taxiway rehabilitation, drainage improvements, and lighting installations—each aimed at bringing regional airports into compliance with FAA standards.
Funded Projects Include
- Watford City Municipal Airport Authority: $585,000 to complete a new snow removal equipment facility, including site work and mechanical systems.
- Langdon Municipal Airport Authority: $584,324 to finalize the construction of Taxiway B and expand the East Apron.
- Cooperstown Municipal Airport Authority: $536,000 to build a new taxilane and rehabilitate Taxiway A and Apron pavement.
- Lakota Airport Authority: $415,285 for Taxiway A rehabilitation to reduce surface debris.
- Cavalier Municipal Airport Authority: $333,500 to restore a section of Runway 16/34, including grading and construction engineering.
- City of Mohall: $263,150 to install stormwater mitigation systems, including underdrains and a lift station.
- Wahpeton Airport Authority: $248,251 to install new lighting on Taxiway A and improve the electrical system.
- Adams County Airport Authority: $218,000 to reseal multiple taxiways to extend pavement lifespan.
- Tioga Municipal Airport Authority: $163,200 to reseal taxiway and apron pavement, protecting over 15,000 square yards of airfield surface.
- Kenmare Airport Authority: $146,991 to replace outdated snow removal equipment, including a payloader and attachments.
Strengthening Small and Rural Airports
According to the FAA, the upgrades will enhance airport safety, improve operational efficiency, and help extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure. The projects also aim to reduce foreign object debris (FOD), a common safety hazard at small airfields.
The AIG program was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is fully funded and aims to modernize transportation hubs nationwide. Since the program’s inception, North Dakota airports have received more than $50 million in funding.
“These investments are not just about asphalt and equipment—they’re about keeping our rural airports viable and ensuring pilots, passengers, and crews have access to safe and modern facilities,” said Senator Cramer.
Looking Ahead
North Dakota airport authorities welcomed the support, with local leaders emphasizing how federal funds ease the burden on small communities.
“This funding allows us to make essential upgrades we couldn’t afford on our own,” said a spokesperson for the Tioga Municipal Airport Authority. “We’re grateful to be included in this round of infrastructure funding.”
The FAA noted that most projects funded under this round are either entering their final construction phase or beginning site preparation in 2025, with completion expected in 2026 or earlier.
As demand grows for general aviation, agricultural flights, and regional connectivity, investments like these are crucial to maintaining North Dakota’s aviation network and bolstering local economies across the state.
Originally reported by Kevin Cramer.