PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A bill providing grants for airport terminal improvements across South Dakota moved forward today (Thursday) in the state legislature, despite concerns about funding sources.
The House Appropriations Committee voted 7-2 to pass Senate Bill 127, which would appropriate funds for airport terminal improvements and expansion throughout the state.
However, the bill continues to contain only $100 in funding to keep funding discussions ongoing, as less than a week remains in the 100th Legislative Session.
“The airports in the state of South Dakota are very important to the economy of our state,” said Representative Jack Kolbeck, R-Sioux Falls, during the hearing. “All the airports that are under FAA regulations would be eligible for this funding.”
Airports generate significant economic activity for South Dakota. That’s according to Rapid City Regional Airport Executive Director Patrick Dame, who testified about infrastructure challenges at his facility.
“When you walk back into the back house, the areas that you can’t see in our terminal, you’re walking back to 1985,” Dame said. “Today, when we’re looking at the total cost, just to add onto the terminal, we’re talking about $222 million.”
Last year, the legislature approved $10 million for similar airport improvements, funding eight projects across the state.
“The original ask was $90 million because that’s what we believe that we need, and we got $10 million,” said Katie Sieverding with the Sioux Falls Airport Authority. “We’re not back just because we got some money so we think we can get some more.”
Supporters argued airports are essential infrastructure that brings visitors and business to South Dakota.
“Airports are critically important for the tourism industry,” said Justin Smith with the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota. “This is not just Sioux Falls and Rapid, which do have fantastic airports, it’s also the other airports across the state.”
The Bureau of Finance and Management opposed the bill.
“This bill sets a precedent to start funding airports statewide outside of the existing airport improvement program,” said Brandy Miesner with BFM.
Senate Bill 127 now heads to the House floor with four legislative days remaining in the session.
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