ND's Oil Patch Airports Bombarded With Traffic

Small western North Dakota airfields that were built decades ago increasingly are being used by business jets and cargo planes in support of the booming oil industry.

 

 

 

 

Bismarck, N.D. (AP)  Small western North Dakota airfields that were built decades ago increasingly are being used by business jets and cargo planes in support of the booming oil industry.
 
State Aeronautics Commissioner Larry Taborsky says most of the small airports in the oil patch weren't built for the traffic they have now.
 
Officials estimate more than $300 million is needed in improvements over the next five years at eight small airfields in western North Dakota and at the small regional airports in Dickinson, Williston and Minot.
 
No crashes have been blamed on inadequate airports to date but there have been some close calls. Taborsky says the runway ramp in Watford City is crumbling and a small jet punched through the pavement last winter, damaging the airplane's landing gear.

 

Associated Press

   

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