Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Airports in Fargo, Williston, Hettinger

Press Release

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Congressional General Aviation Caucus, today announced about $4.5 million in federal funding to construct a taxiway at Hector International Airport in Fargo, make important updates at Hettinger Municipal Airport, and purchase emergency vehicles at Sloulin Field International in Williston.

"The population and economic growth in North Dakota has created an increased demand for air travel not just near the oil boom, but all over the state," said Heitkamp. "Making investments in our state's aviation infrastructure is critical to helping North Dakota meet the growing demands while also building out an industry that will sustain our state for years to come. While we continue to upgrade, maintain, and expand our airports, it is also important we invest in resources to make sure our families and communities are safe. "

Hector International Airport in Fargo will receive almost $3.9 million in federal funds to construct a taxiway and fund the design phase to rehabilitate the existing pavement on areas of the current taxiway. These funds are in addition to the $450,000 it received in June to update the Airport Master Plan narrative report and Airport Layout Plan.

Hettinger Municipal Airport will receive $150,000 in federal funds to rehabilitate the runway and apron, replace airfield guidance signs and install a new taxiway lighting system. These improvements will help enhance the safety of aircrafts and passengers.

Sloulin Field International in Williston will receive $700,000 in federal funds to purchase an emergency response vehicle to combat fires, should they occur on the runway. The continued growth and success of the airport has increased use of the airport to a level that requires high capacity firefighting equipment to be on site to maintain an adequate level of safety. In addition to these funds, Sloulin Field received $1.8 million in federal funds in June to rehabilitate a taxiway and plan a study to determine the possibility of a new airport and site selection.

In April, Heitkamp brought FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to Sloulin Field in Williston to see the aviation challenges facing the western part of the state. Since Administrator Huerta's visit, Heitkamp has played a key role in obtaining nearly $35 million in grants for North Dakota's airports through the federally funded Airport Improvement Project.

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