Bill To Fund Airport Construction Passes Senate Committee

Loans up to $15 million available for major airport projects

Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:31am

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A state Senate committee in South Dakota has advanced a bill that would provide zero-percent interest loans of up to $15 million to fund construction projects at airports in metro areas with at least 125,000 people. The planned expansions at the Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports, estimated to cost $110 million and $51 million respectively, would be eligible for this funding.

Why it matters

This bill aims to support infrastructure improvements at the state's largest airports, which are critical economic hubs and transportation links. The zero-interest loans could help accelerate planned expansions and upgrades without burdening local budgets.

The details

The bill passed out of the state Senate committee unanimously. It would allow qualifying airports to apply for the zero-percent interest loans to fund construction projects. The loans would only be available to airports located in metro areas with at least 125,000 people.

  • The bill was advanced by a state Senate committee on February 20, 2026.

The players

Rapid City Regional Airport

A major airport serving western South Dakota, with an estimated $110 million expansion project planned.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport

The largest airport in South Dakota, with an estimated $51 million expansion project planned.

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What’s next

The bill will now move to the full state Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to provide critical funding to modernize and expand South Dakota's largest airports, supporting economic growth and improved regional transportation.