Sioux Falls dangles $5M for terminal expansion, but will state step up?

Airport aims at $105 million for new concourse, additional seating and customs area for international travel

Sioux Falls Regional Airport Executive Director Dan Letellier points at a construction area alongside Sioux Falls City Councilor Richard Thomason during a tour of the airport. Michael Klinski / The Dakota Scout

The city of Sioux Falls is making a $5 million bet that a bigger airport will net even bigger gains for South Dakota’s economy.

And it’s hoping to entice spending-wary legislators to do the same.

Sioux Falls city councilors this week took their first step toward authorizing a $5 million, no-interest loan to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport for its long-pursued overhaul of the terminal, runways and other infrastructure at Joe Foss Field in northern Sioux Falls. Offering preliminary approval Tuesday at Carnegie Town Hall, the council’s proposal — spearheaded by Councilors Richard Thomason and Rich Merkouris — comes with strings attached: The state must also contribute $5 million before the city’s share is released.

Sioux Falls Airport expansion on track for August construction