South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP)
South Dakota airports are benefiting from significant legislative support through Senate Bill 144. The Legislature dedicated $10 million to the South Dakota Airport Terminal Program (SDATP), a fund established by the bill passed in the last session.
The program has allocated grants to various airports (including General Aviation) across the state:
Aberdeen: $1,2000,000
Hot Springs: $27,000
Rapid City: $3,047,126
Sioux Falls: $2,561,801
Spearfish: $1,319,073
Sturgis: $210,000
Tea: $735,000
Watertown: $900,000
Terminal Program (SDATP), is available to both commercial service airports and general aviation airports. The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission is responsible for distributing these funds.
Requirements:
- A funding plan including two or more years of federal entitlements.
- Projects receiving federal funding beyond entitlement funding, with a decreased priority for those that have unsuccessfully competed for additional federal funding.
- Funding plans where state funding does not exceed 60% of the non-federal costs.
To qualify for SDATP funds, projects must be included in the Airport Capital Improvement Plan or the National Plan of Integrated Airports (NPIAS) submitted yearly to the state. Additionally, projects must receive federal funding, including at least one year of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) federal entitlements and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) allocation. Evidence of a submitted application, awarded grant, or commitment to applying in the next federal funding round is required.
SDATP funds are strictly for construction reimbursement and do not cover project planning, design, or administration costs.
March 19, 2024
Senate Bill 144 which appropriated $10 million to support the improvement, expansion and future capacity demand at public airports, marking a significant milestone in improving airport infrastructure and ensuring safer and more efficient air travel for both residents and visitors.
South Dakota’s aviation sector has long grappled with the lowest federal funding allocation in the Great Lakes Region. Despite a consistent $3.2 billion federal fund allocation divided nationwide, inflation has eroded the effectiveness of these funds in meeting airport infrastructure demands.
Additionally, during major terminal renovations, including those at the state’s two largest airports, portions of the facilities are ineligible for federal funding.
“It is important that our Airports grow with the growth of the State, and project funding assistance may be needed from time to time when we need to make larger infrastructure advances; this is one of the times”, said Rapid City Regional
Airport Executive Director Patrick Dame. “We extend our sincerest thanks to Senator David Johnson, Senator Jack Kolbeck, Representative Steve Duffy, and others for their tireless advocacy and vision in championing this critical bill.”
Senate Bill 144 was signed by Governor Kristi Noem and signifies a stride in fortifying the state’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring continued growth and prosperity for years to come.
