City Closes One Airport Project, Starts Another
The rehabilitation of one of Pierre Regional Airport’s runways is complete, while another runway project is just getting started.
At this week’s meeting, City Commissioners accepted a bid proposal from Morris, Inc. to rehab Pierre’s primary runway, Runway 13-31, for approximately $7.2 million. The project includes replacing the existing asphalt in the landing area, painting new markings, and installing new lighting, wind cones and wiring. State and Federal funds cover roughly 95% of the project costs.
“Based on the costs of projects at the airport, we are very fortunate to be able to access financial support from both the state and federal government,” said Nick Waters, City Engineer. “While this support is contingent on meeting our annual enplanements and other requirements, these funds are critical to completing projects of this size.”
The Runway 13-31 project is scheduled for Spring of 2025.
The rehabilitation of Runway 7-25, the airport’s crosswind runway, also wrapped up at the August 13 meeting when the City Commission approved the final change order and pay application for that project. Morris, Inc. was also the contractor for the Runway 7-25 project. The work on the secondary runway included a new asphalt surface, new lighting, and new markings with a cost of approximately $6.3 million.
“Maintaining our airport infrastructure is critical for continued commercial service and the additional services that our airport provides to the community, so we look to keep making improvements where we have eligible projects,” said Waters.
Pierre Regional Airport had nearly 16,000 commercial enplanements last year and currently has an on-time flight record of 91%. Its commercial air carrier, Denver Air Connection, offers twelve weekly non-stop flights to Denver International Airport. Pierre Regional Airport is also home to FBO Mustang Aviation, the State of South Dakota hangar, Avera Careflight, as well as ag and general aviation services.