South Dakota’s airports could get funding help for improving terminals and other infrastructure projects under a bill recommended for passage by a Senate committee Wednesday.
SB114 would provide $90 million in state grants for new terminals and terminal improvements.
The Senate Transportation Committee sent the bill to the Joint Appropriations Committee on a 7 to 0 vote.
Proponents said the measure is needed because of the state’s population growth and for economic development. They also said the fund would be for not only the state’s major commercial airports, such as Rapid City and Sioux Falls, but all airports.
A representative from the Noem administration opposed the measure. They said it would set a bad precedent if passed.
The bill would send $18 million a year for five years to the state Aeronautics Commission to administer the grants.
The measure now goes to the Joint Appropriations Committee for further consideration.