Aberdeen, South Dakota Airport to Receive Grant

Aberdeen will be receiving federal grant funding for its airport as well as to expand its bike path.

The city will get $1 million from the Federal Aviation Administration for snow removal equipment to be used at the airport.

Aberdeen began construction of a new airport terminal in 2001. Federal money is being provided to update the airport's layout plan improve a hangar taxiway, buy a snow plow, remove the old terminal building and construct a snow removal equipment building.

The airport money comes from the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. The grant money was expected by airport officials.

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., announced both of the grants. "This funding will improve transportation conditions and safety at Aberdeen Regional Airport. Our airports not only move people from community to community, but act as a source of economic growth," he said of the airport grant in a press release.

Aberdeen will also get $132,000 to extend its bicycle trail. That money is included in the Transportation Appropriations bill.

In the months to come, Aberdeen will receive another $62,000 or so in grant money for the project.

"The Aberdeen bike path is an exciting project that will benefit the community," Johnson said. "The funding will help Aberdeen convert and abandoned railroad corridor to a bath for bikers, walkers and joggers."