Seventeen public airports across South Dakota will receive state assistance to inspect and maintain their automated weather observation systems under a new contract approved this week.
The $114,750 proposal will be funded largely by the state, with the South Dakota Aeronautics Commission agreeing to cover 75% of the cost. Participating airports will pay the remaining 25%.
The maintenance work will support systems at airports including Spearfish, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, and others statewide.
In addition, the commission approved several Federal Aviation Administration projects at multiple airports and committed $40,000 toward drone training programs at South Dakota technical colleges.
State officials say the funding will help ensure accurate weather reporting and continued safety for aviation operations.
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