DELEGATION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $5 MILLION TO IMPROVE AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, MAINTAIN QUALITY AIR SERVICE IN NORTH DAKOTA

The following information was released by North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad:

Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg announced today the awarding of $5,087,500 in federal grants to improve safety at the airport in Bismarck and support air travel in Grand Forks and Fargo to ensure families and business persons have access to affordable air travel.

For too long the nation has neglected our growing infrastructure needs including those at our nations airports. The grant for Bismarck addresses a very serious need that will ensure safe and efficient service into western North Dakota, the delegation said in a joint statement. Additionally, North Dakota doesnt have the luxury of serving as a hub for any of the nations major airlines. These resources for Fargo and Grand Forks will go a long way to ensuring that families and business travelers are able to reach their destinations without traveling hundreds of miles or blowing a hole in a budget.

More than $4 million in federal resources were awarded to Bismarck to upgrade the airports apron - the area where planes are parked as travelers deplane and board the aircraft.

Additionally, more than a million dollars were awarded to airports in Grand Forks and Fargo to support Essential Air Service in the Red River Valley. These resources are devoted to improving the cost efficiency of major airlines to continue routes into the state.

The delegation noted that as North Dakota emerges as an energy hub for the nation, sound infrastructure and affordable and convenient air service has never been more critical in the state.

Congress established the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) to assist smaller communities enhance their air service and address high air fare issues.

These grants were awarded by the Department of Transportation through resources appropriated by Congress.