05.06.16

Hoeven: New Minot Airport Terminal Will Support Magic City Economy, Ensure High Quality of Life

Senator Secured $32 Million for Minot Airport Project, Worked to Pass FAA Reauthorization Legislation to Improve Air Travel

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined community leaders at a dedication ceremony for the new terminal at the Minot International Airport. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to secure $32 million in federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for the $75.6 million project.

“This new airport terminal, which serves as a gateway to the Magic City, has improved amenities and services to make travel more efficient and convenient for our community and its visitors,” Hoeven said. “The expansion of the Minot Airport is not only good for travelers, but will help to ensure that we have the infrastructure we need to keep our community and its economy growing.”

The airport project includes a new terminal building, apron, snow removal building and parking lot. In addition to securing federal funding for the project, the senator worked with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta to ensure the airport had the resources necessary to reach completion. Last September, Hoeven reviewed progress on the new terminal building and other important construction projects at the airport.

FAA Reauthorization

Hoeven cited important provisions in the recently passed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill that enhance airport security and improve air travel for consumers, including:

• Creating a standard method for airlines to disclose additional fees.
• Requiring the airlines to refund baggage fees for delayed baggage.
• Increasing accessibility for families when flying by allowing families to purchase seats next to each other, and allowing family members to accompany minors through the airport security screening process.

Transportation Appropriations Bill

Additionally, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to include strong funding for airports in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2017 Transportation Appropriation bill, which was approved by the committee last month and is expected to be on the Senate floor in the coming weeks. The bill includes $3.5 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides critical funding for ongoing capital improvement programs airports across the state. The federal share of the Minot Terminal was funded through this program.

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