By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
A long-discussed expansion of the Flandreau Municipal Airport took another step forward this past week, with Moody County commissioners and the county Board of Adjustment signing off on the necessary permits and rezoning to move the project ahead.
The approvals clear the way for a significant upgrade to the airport just south of town, where an additional 207.91 acres will be incorporated into the site to accommodate a longer runway and updated layout.
If you’ve followed this project over the years, this moment has been a long time coming.
Plans to improve the airport have been in discussion for more than a decade, largely centered around the existing runways — one paved and one turf. As pilots look for airports outside of Sioux Falls to base themselves out, fly into, or stop for fuel — Flandreau’s runways are too short to safely accommodate anything but small aircraft. At roughly 3,100 feet, the current runway limits access and prevents the use of GPS-guided instrumentation, something engineers say is critical for safety, especially in poor weather or for medical flights.
The proposed improvements would widen the runway to 75 feet and extend it to about 3,600 feet, allowing for larger private aircraft and more reliable operations.
The project also includes repurposing the existing runway into a parallel strip and resurfacing portions of the current infrastructure.
At last week’s meeting, several neighboring property owners — including those along the northwest edge of the airport — attended to better understand what the changes might mean for their homes.
After hearing details from city and county officials, those residents left with a clearer picture — and, by most accounts, some reassurance.
Lighting at the upgraded facility, for example, is expected to be pilot-activated and used primarily at night, with new LED systems designed to minimize impact. Temporary road use agreements during construction will route heavier traffic along designated township roads, including 480th and 481st avenues.
County officials noted the project meets conditional use requirements and is not expected to adversely affect surrounding properties. The permit was approved without opposition.
From a funding standpoint, the project continues to lean heavily on federal and state dollars. The Federal Aviation Administration typically covers about 90 percent of eligible costs, with the state contributing around 5 percent. Local governments are responsible for the remainder, often using FAA entitlement funds that can be banked over several years.
Supporters and city officials maintain the investment goes beyond convenience.
Airports like Flandreau’s serve a broader regional role — from supporting agricultural and business travel to accommodating hunters, recreational pilots and critical medical flights. Expanded capabilities could also position the community for future economic opportunities tied to aviation as airports across the region fill up and business owners look for hubs to call home.
Preparations for construction will continue later this year with the bulk of the work anticipated to take place in 2027.
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