US Airport Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Set for Major $53 Million Overhaul to Meet Surging Travel Demand – Travel And Tour World

Dickinson’s Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport is taking a crucial step to modernize its infrastructure as the city seeks to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region. In a unanimous vote by the City Commission this week, a verbal commitment was made to provide $4 million in funding toward a $53.4 million initiative aimed at replacing the aging airport terminal. The overhaul is expected to improve capacity, accessibility, and overall passenger experience, ensuring that the airport remains competitive in a rapidly evolving airline industry.

This substantial investment, led by Airport Manager Kelly Braun, comes at a time when passenger traffic has been steadily rising. For Dickinson, the project is vital to securing the future of commercial air service, which has been at risk due to outdated facilities and infrastructure. As airlines shift to larger aircraft and air travel demand continues to climb, the airport must modernize to handle these changes.

Why the Overhaul Is Necessary for Dickinson’s Future

The growing need for a new terminal comes at a critical juncture for Dickinson’s air travel industry. Braun emphasized to The Dickinson Press that without the new terminal, the city could lose its commercial air service altogether. “Without this terminal, our commercial service would be on its way out. It would be just a matter of time before we lost that service, and once an airline departs an airport, getting it back is—I wouldn’t say it’s impossible—but it’s as close to impossible as you could get,” Braun explained.

The new terminal is intended to replace the current facility, which was not designed to handle the increasing number of passengers or accommodate larger aircraft. In 2023, passenger traffic at the airport reached 24,152 boardings, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and is projected to grow even further in 2024, with an 8% increase expected. The existing terminal, which was built to accommodate around 9,000 passengers annually, simply cannot handle the rising demand. Without upgrades, Dickinson risks losing its status as a hub for commercial air travel.

Key Features of the New Terminal

The new terminal will be a significant upgrade, both in terms of capacity and passenger comfort. Some of the key features of the planned facility include:

• Expanded Lounge and Dining Areas: The new terminal will offer more spacious and comfortable spaces for passengers to relax and dine while waiting for their flights.
• Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Dickinson Museum Center Displays: The airport will incorporate dedicated display areas showcasing the region’s history, adding a cultural touch to the travel experience.
• Enhanced Accessibility: The new terminal will feature a single-level layout, making it more accessible for all passengers, including those with disabilities.
• Jet Bridge: One of the most anticipated features is the addition of a jet bridge, which will significantly improve the boarding process. Currently, passengers must walk across the tarmac to board planes, exposing them to the elements. The new jet bridge will ensure passengers board and deplane in comfort, regardless of weather conditions.

These improvements reflect a strategic effort by Dickinson’s leadership to ensure the airport remains functional, comfortable, and safe for passengers while supporting the growth of commercial air services in the area.

The Need for Larger Aircraft and More Capacity

Airline industry trends have played a significant role in motivating the airport’s terminal overhaul. Airlines, particularly in the U.S., are phasing out smaller 50-seat jets in favor of more efficient 76- to 90-seat aircraft. While the runway at Dickinson’s airport is capable of supporting these larger planes, the current terminal infrastructure is inadequate for handling the increased passenger load.

“If you don’t have a facility that can handle that particular aircraft, your days of commercial service really are numbered,” Braun said. This issue is particularly important as Dickinson seeks to expand its flight options and attract larger carriers. The growth in passenger numbers requires an airport that can efficiently handle larger flights and provide passengers with a smooth and comfortable travel experience.

Funding the Project: Local Contributions and Federal Support

The total cost of the terminal replacement project is $53.4 million, with funding coming from a variety of sources. Key contributions include:

• $30.6 million from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission
• $12 million in federal grants
• $2 million from airport cash reserves
• $10.8 million requested from local municipalities, including $4 million from Dickinson and Stark County, and contributions from Billings and Dunn Counties

The City Commission’s commitment of $4 million marks a significant step toward securing local funding for the project. While Dickinson’s city leaders have expressed optimism about securing the necessary contributions, there has been some reluctance from Stark County, which has yet to make a formal commitment. Billings County and Dunn County have already approved their portions of the funding.

Despite the challenges in securing full local support, Braun remains hopeful that the necessary contributions will be met. “Debt is never a good thing,” he said, emphasizing that the airport leadership wants to avoid raising levies or taking on significant debt. Instead, the airport will rely on local contributions and available funds to finance the project.

The Long-Term Vision: Attracting New Airline Routes

While the immediate goal of the terminal overhaul is to accommodate growing passenger demand, the long-term vision includes attracting new airline routes, particularly eastbound service. Dickinson once had flights to Minneapolis through Delta, but the service was discontinued in 2015, largely due to the limited capacity of the existing terminal.

“The long-term goal is to get Delta or another carrier with a stronger East Coast presence—a more direct flight to Dickinson,” Braun explained. This would greatly enhance connectivity for Dickinson’s residents and businesses, providing them with direct access to major cities on the East Coast.

While securing new routes is a long-term goal, the terminal upgrade is a critical first step. By creating a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly facility, the airport aims to make Dickinson a more attractive destination for airlines seeking to expand their networks.

Challenges and Considerations: Local Taxpayer Burden and Public Opinion

One of the most significant challenges facing the airport project is the question of local funding. While the airport has sought contributions from several local municipalities, there has been some reluctance, particularly from Stark County, which has yet to commit to its portion of the funding. Stark County Commissioner Cory White, who also serves on the airport authority board, suggested that the county would likely wait until the budget season to make a decision.

This has sparked concerns about the potential burden on local taxpayers. If the full $10.8 million in requested local contributions is not met, the airport will likely have to rely on debt or tax increases to cover the gap. Braun acknowledged that this would not be a popular option, but emphasized that the airport would proceed with construction regardless of whether all local contributions are secured.

“We’ve had successful projects funded in the past with local contributions, and we’ll continue to explore every option available to us,” Braun said. While raising taxes or taking on debt is not the preferred route, it may become necessary if full local support isn’t achieved.

Conclusion: A Vital Investment for Dickinson’s Future

The $53.4 million project to replace the aging terminal at Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport is more than just a construction initiative; it is a critical investment in the long-term viability of commercial air service in Dickinson. As passenger demand continues to rise and airlines shift to larger aircraft, the airport must modernize to remain competitive.

By expanding capacity, improving accessibility, and enhancing the overall passenger experience, the new terminal will ensure that Dickinson remains a key hub for air travel in the region. With a mix of federal, state, and local funding, the project is on track to transform the airport into a modern, efficient facility capable of handling the demands of today’s air travel industry.

As the construction timeline moves forward, with an expected opening in late 2026, the city of Dickinson and its residents can look forward to a brighter future for both air travel and economic development in the area.Tools