South Dakota awards $10M to eight airports

The South Dakota Department of Transportation recently awarded eight airports $10 million in South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP) grants.

The program supports airport terminal projects statewide. It was funded through Senate Bill 144 that was passed during the 2024 legislative session.

SDATP funds a one-time appropriation distinct from the traditional Aeronautics Commission policies. Funds are construction reimbursement money and exclude costs related to project planning, design, and administration.

“The SDATP funds will play pivotal role in strengthening the aviation infrastructure and enhancing economic development in our state,” Joel Jundt, state transportation secretary, said. “The SDATP will help our South Dakota airports meet growing demands and improve services for residents and visitors alike.”

Airports in the following communities were awarded grants: Hot Springs, $27,000; Sturgis, $210,000; Tea, $735,000; Watertown, $900,000; Aberdeen, $1.2 million; Spearfish, $1.3 million; Sioux Falls, $2.6 million; and Rapid City, $3.05 million.

The Aeronautics Commission reviewed and awarded funding requests during its regularly scheduled meeting on July 18. Local community funding was taken into consideration as was SDATP funding criteria.

Projects must be part of the Airport Capital Improvement Plan or included in the annual National Plan of Integrated Airports, and must have received federal funding through at least one year of Airport Improvement Program federal entitlements and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grant allocation.

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