05.15.14

Hoeven Announces $17 Million in DOT Grants for North Dakota Airports

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded more than $17 million in grants with funds appropriated by Congress to improve airports in Minot, Grand Forks, Bowman, Devils Lake and Jamestown. Hoeven is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“DOT’s decision to award more than $17 million to improve North Dakota’s airports reflects our ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure across North Dakota, especially in the rapidly growing western portion of our state that continues to see increased demand at airports,” said Hoeven. “It remains imperative that we work to meet this increased demand with smart investments that will develop airports so they can meet the demands of the businesses and individuals who rely on these airports to further the work that is creating the tremendous economic growth we’re experiencing.”

The DOT grants will be allocated to airports in five North Dakota cities as follows:

  • Minot International Airport – $8,967,973  to construct a new taxiway.
  • Grand Forks International Airport – $4,416,407 to reconstruct a taxiway.
  • Bowman County Airport Authority – $2,150,000 to construct a new airport.
  • Devils Lake Regional Airport – $1,212,729 to acquire an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle and to construct a runway safety area.
  • Jamestown Regional Airport – $806,937 to acquire a new Aircraft rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle.

The DOT grant program was reauthorized by Congress through MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act that was signed into law in 2012. 

Hoeven, who was appointed by leadership to serve on the joint Senate-House conference committee responsible for crafting the package, worked to make sure the bill was long-term to make sure states had the certainty to plan for large projects. MAP-21 also streamlines the environmental review process, enabling the state to move forward with greater efficiency to address infrastructure needs across North Dakota.

Hoeven and Senator Heidi Heitkamp also hosted FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to North Dakota this spring so he could see the unique aviation challenges impacting western North Dakota.