Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun voiced support Thursday for Gov. Larry Rhoden’s proposal to create a zero-interest loan program aimed at funding major airport expansion projects across South Dakota.
The mayor’s statement, shared by State Rep. Mike Derby during the governor’s announcement event, emphasized the economic importance of strong air infrastructure to the state’s continued growth.
“Investing in airports is a smart move for South Dakota, with Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports alone bringing over one billion dollars in economic impact to the state every year,” Salamun said. “Rapid City welcomes the proposal for zero-interest loans to help fund major airport expansions in South Dakota. This will help strengthen air service for our people and visitors, and promote economic growth for the great state of South Dakota.”
The initiative, announced by Gov. Rhoden, is designed to help communities modernize airport facilities, expand capacity, and improve passenger and freight services statewide.
Both Rapid City Regional Airport and Sioux Falls Regional Airport have seen record passenger growth in recent years, underscoring the demand for infrastructure improvements to support tourism, business travel, and economic development across the Black Hills and the rest of South Dakota.
