07.22.14

Hoeven Announces $5.9 Million DOT Grants for Fargo, Williston, Hettinger Airports

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded more than $5.9 million in grants to Hector International Airport in Fargo, Sloulin Field International in Williston and Hettinger Municipal Airport in Hettinger.

DOT, through the FAA, has awarded two grants totaling more than $5 million to complete taxiway construction and runway rehabilitation projects at Hector International Airport. Hoeven spoke today with Michael P. Huerta, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and requested that the agency release the federal grants to ensure work at airports during the summer construction season. Hoeven has been working with Huerta and the FAA to secure these grants.

“We have been working hard to ensure that Fargo receives this DOT grant so the airport can undertake its taxiway construction and runway rehabilitation projects,” said Hoeven. “Securing these DOT grants is an important way we are working to ensure that we continue to improve infrastructure at Hector Airport and airports across North Dakota. We are the fastest growing state in the nation, and this rapid growth means busy airports and new infrastructure needs. These DOT grants for Fargo, Williston and Hettinger are good news for our state, reflecting our ongoing efforts to invest and develop our airports and meet the new needs of our state.”

DOT also awarded a $700,000 grant to Sloulin Field International for the airport to acquire an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle. A separate $150,000 grant has been awarded to Hettinger Municipal Airport to install airfield guidance signs and taxiway lighting as well as to rehabilitate a portion of the apron and runway.

The DOT grants are awarded with funds appropriated by Congress. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has been working to invest in infrastructure and other services to meet the needs of North Dakota’s growing population and commerce.