SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — More funding could be on the way for the 70 airports across South Dakota. The money would be intended for improving terminals and other infrastructure projects.
As the population across South Dakota increases every year, airports across the state are looking to get more funding for projects.
That funding could come from Senate Bill 144 . The bill, which moved forward Thursday morning, would allocate $90 million over five years to airports across the state.
“Certainly encouraged by, you know, the positive comments that we’ve seen from some of the legislators, but again, it’s just the first hurdle. We know that there’s some, you know, very challenging times ahead,” said Dan Letellier, Executive Director Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
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The Sioux Falls Regional Airport had 1.3 million people fly in and out of Sioux Falls in 2023. As the city grows, so will that number.
“That really is what drives a lot of our infrastructure here, you know, ticketing, passenger screening, luggage screening, baggage claim, but the most urgent need really is for additional aircraft gates,” Letellier said.