FAA Awards $15.2 Million to Grand Forks International Airport for Primary Runway Reconstruction

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $15,157,068 to support critical infrastructure improvements at Grand Forks International Airport, including the reconstruction and upgrade of the primary runway and taxiway pavement and lighting. This project is part of a larger airport expansion and development project that aims to improve safety and increase capacity to support flight training activity by the University of North Dakota (UND). The airport will be able to maintain full commercial flight operations and UND flight training operations while the primary runway is reconstructed due to the completion of the 5-year, $70 million reconstruction and extension of the crosswind runway last fall.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has awarded $15,157,068 to Grand Forks International Airport for primary runway reconstruction and upgrade, which is part of a larger airport expansion project.
  • The project includes reconstruction and upgrade of the primary runway and taxiway pavement and lighting, and is expected to be completed in three phases.
  • The overall project is estimated to cost $60 million, with a federal funding share of nearly $40 million.
  • Construction is expected to take place from 2026 through 2028.
  • The airport expansion project aims to improve safety and increase capacity to support flight training activity by the University of North Dakota (UND).
  • The airport will be able to maintain full commercial flight operations and UND flight training operations while the primary runway is reconstructed.
  • The FAA plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the construction of a new air traffic control tower within the next two months.
  • The project builds upon previous efforts to expand airports in North Dakota, including the completion of a $70 million crosswind runway project last fall.

Statistics:

  • The FAA has awarded $15,157,068 to Grand Forks International Airport.
  • The overall project is expected to cost $60 million.
  • The federal funding share is nearly $40 million.
  • Construction is expected to take place from 2026 through 2028.
  • The airport expansion project aims to improve safety and increase capacity to support flight training activity by the University of North Dakota (UND).

Sources:

  • Hoeven, John. "Hoeven: FAA Awards Over $15 Million to Grand Forks Airport for Primary Runway Reconstruction." Hoeven.Senate.Gov, 17 Sept. 2023.