08.21.17

Hoeven Announces More Than $1.3 Million in Additional Funding for New Williston Airport

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the U.S. Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $1,312,194 in entitlement funding to support construction of the new Williston Basin International Airport. Today’s funds will be used to fund phase 3 of the project which includes the construction of the primary runway 14/32, runway lighting and signage and the installation of navigational aids. Last week, Hoeven announced $20 million in funding for the airport, bringing total recent entitlement and discretionary funding to $21,312,194.

“Today’s funds bring federal funding for the Williston airport to nearly $76 million,” Hoeven said. “It is important that we invest in this new airport as Williston’s current Sloulin Field International cannot continue to support demand. When completed, Williston’s new airport will help support the long-term growth of the Williston region and western North Dakota, as well as a safe, state-of-the-art facility for both general and commercial aviation.”

Today’s grant brings total federal funding for the $231 million facility to $75.9 million. Through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the federal government has committed to provide a total of $112 million for the new airport. Through his work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped secure funding for the AIP earlier this year.

Hoeven also authored a provision to help existing airports, like Williston’s Sloulin Field International, that are in critical need of expansion or relocation, but unable to grow their current facilities due to physical constraints. The measure directs the FAA to ensure sufficient funding is available to relocate these airports in a timely manner.

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