Construction is Expected to Begin on the Williston Basin International Airport in Spring 2016

WILLISTON: The Sloulin Field International Airport is expected to begin construction of the new Williston Basin International Airport in the spring 2016 and anticipates the completion between the fall of 2017 and fall of 2018.

Although the airport will be changing the name to Williston Basin International, they will be naming the terminal of the new airport 'Sloulin Terminal' to honor the sacrifice and dedication of the Sloulin family.

The new terminal will sit on approximately 1500 acres, located about 5 miles NW of the current Sloulin Field International airport and will be roughly 100,000 sq. ft. in public space. Airport Director Steven Kjergaard states, "Cost estimates of the total project are between $230 & $250 million." Kjergaard adds, "I expect to have space for up to four car rental companies as well as a full restaurant and bar inside the terminal. The airport will have very similar amenities as you see at other similar sized airports."

"We are out of space everywhere you look at the airport. There are additional design issues such as the hill to the NW and the slope of the runway is too steep for aircraft as well," replies Kjergaard when asked what the reason was for building the new airport.

Last year nearly 240,000 passengers used the airport's terminal. In addition to the larger terminal and abundant parking, the new airport will be more accommodating to the growth of the Bakken and the influx of people using the terminal by being able to handle larger aircraft, up to 180-200 passenger airplanes.

Kjergaard's goal is to add additional carriers and destinations; however it is too early in the relocation process to determine if this will happen.