What Happened
Commission Approves Changes To Support Aviation Projects
The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission has approved policy changes to loosen spending restrictions on the state’s airport assistance fund, which has seen significant revenue growth. The changes aim to support airport projects, including expansions at the Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports, which are expected to cost over $100 million each. The Aeronautics Fund, fueled by aviation-related taxes and fees, has reached a record balance of nearly $20 million and is projected to continue growing. According to South Dakota Searchlight, the commission’s decision is intended to demonstrate to lawmakers that the fund is being used for its intended purposes, as revenues are outpacing expenditures by roughly 2-to-1.