PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission is making more money available for airport projects after the state’s aviation fund reached a record balance.
Commission members approved two policy changes Thursday aimed at increasing funding for airports across the state. One change raises the cap on assistance available for projects at smaller airports, while the other expands funding options for major terminal projects already underway in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
State transportation officials say the Aeronautics Fund currently holds nearly $20 million and could have grown to almost $30 million by 2032 without the changes.
The fund is supported by aviation-related taxes and fees, including aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees and aircraft sales taxes. Officials say revenue has been growing about twice as fast as the state has been spending it.
Commission Chairman Robert Huggins says the goal is simple: use the money to support aviation projects across South Dakota. The policy changes do not require approval from the state Legislature.
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