Rapid City Airport Expansion Approved by Finance Committee

The $44 million project aims to add 5 new gates to the regional airport's terminal.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee has voted to approve $44 million in funding for a major expansion project at the Rapid City Regional Airport. The expansion plan includes adding five new gates to the airport's terminal, and the request now moves to the City Council for a vote next Tuesday. Airport officials hope to begin construction on the project within the next 12-24 months.

Why it matters

The airport expansion is part of a larger vision to modernize and grow Rapid City's regional transportation hub, which serves as a key access point for tourism and business travel in western South Dakota. Upgrading the airport's capacity could help attract more flights and carriers, boosting the local economy.

The details

The $44 million in funding approved by the Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee will go towards adding five new gates to the Rapid City Regional Airport's terminal. This is part of a larger expansion project aimed at increasing the airport's capacity and modernizing its facilities.

  • The Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee voted to approve the $44 million in funding on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The request for the airport expansion funding now goes to the Rapid City City Council, where a vote is expected next Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Airport officials hope to break ground on the expansion project within the next 12-24 months.

The players

Rapid City Regional Airport

The regional airport serving Rapid City, South Dakota and the surrounding Black Hills area.

Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee

A committee of the Rapid City government responsible for reviewing and approving major financial decisions and projects.

Rapid City City Council

The governing body of the City of Rapid City, South Dakota, which will vote on the final approval of the airport expansion funding.

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What’s next

The Rapid City City Council is expected to vote on the $44 million in airport expansion funding at their next meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The approval of $44 million in funding for the Rapid City Regional Airport expansion project marks a significant milestone in the city's efforts to modernize and grow its regional transportation hub, which is crucial for supporting tourism and economic development in western South Dakota.