Will $30M airport boost takeoff or crash with Sioux Falls & Black Hills lawmakers?

Property taxes, politics could ensnare Gov. Larry Rhoden's latest economic development push

Rep. Greg Jamison (left), Sen. Steve Kolbeck and Rep. Jack Kolbeck, all from the Sioux Falls area, listen to Gov. Larry Rhoden announce plans for a $15 million loan for the Sioux Falls Regional Airport on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Patrick Lalley / Sioux Falls Live)

Gov. Larry Rhoden is confident he can get the support of metro lawmakers for his plan to float the Sioux Falls Regional Airport a $15 million no-interest loan.

Key lawmakers from Sioux Falls are less so, noting that the money for the airport is a portion of $65 million in leftover cash already identified as a potential source of property tax rebates for homeowners.

Gov. Rhoden flies $30M plan for Sioux Falls, Rapid City airport expansions