The expansion of Sloulin Field International Airport makes it a much busier point of entry for people coming to Williston in recent years, but more work still needs to be done.

The addition of a fourth flight at the airport and runway improvements are high on the list of priorities. Airport manager Rick Marburger said achieving these goals goes a long way in improving the service at the airport.

Marburger said with the increased volume of traffic at the airport, a fourth flight is necessary again. There were four flights until about a year ago, when it was removed by commercial carrier Great Lakes Airlines.

Marburger said the existing three daily flights are running at full capacity. With the increased construction and oil activity in the area, he said having a fourth flight provides much-needed flexibility.

"We're in talks with two airlines right now about trying to bring in another flight. It's in the preliminary stage right now, so I can't really release the names of the airlines we're speaking with," said Marburger. Marburger said the flexibility in flight options is great to have, as whenever there's a delay or cancellation it impacts numerous customers. When there's bad weather or delays, it's very difficult to get people on their way with only three flights.

He said depending on wind speed and weather, it can be tough for the planes that arrive and depart from Sloulin Field to climb high enough and take off due to the weight from passengers and baggage.

"That creates a lot of problems for scheduled flights," said Marburger.

If there is a cancellation or delay and airline staff try to place people on the next flight, it is difficult to do so because most flights are already full.

"I've we've got another flight, if we have more options and they're bumped off their flight, then you don't have as many problems," said Marburger.

Marburger said a passenger study is under way by the Great Lakes to determine the feasibility of adding a fourth flight.

A current project is in its early stages that should also help with runway issues, but is a couple of years from being completed. The airport is preparing to bury transmission lines that are above ground at the end of the runway.

This clears an obstacle at the end of the runway, said Marburger.

He said doing so makes it easier for planes to take off and increases their capability for handling larger planes in the future.

"There are obstructions in the arrival and departure ends of the runway. This is a safety enhancement," said Marburger.

The projects are costly, but most of the expense is covered by grant money and federal dollars, said Marburger.

Marburger said a large and extremely important chunk of funding for recent airport projects comes from the Airport Trust Fund.

The trust fund dollars are entitlement dollars the airport qualifies for under the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970, allowing for airfield improvements.

Marburger said they've received about $1 million in each of the last two years. This is possible because Sloulin Field passed 10,000 enplanements, or 10,000 passengers boardings, in each of the past two years.

"We did last year, and we did the year before just barely. And for this year we will, too," said Marburger.

Marburger said reaching 10,000 enplanements is very important because it opens more options for grants and other federal funds. He said competition is strong among airports throughout the state for funding.

"We have to have justification as to why we need the money for our airport compared to Jamestown or Dickinson or Bismarck," said Marburger.

Marburger said the new terminal that opened just over two years ago was built because of the need for quality and better-looking facilities. He said the volume of traffic and the need for space were key factors in building it.

Similar reasons regarding space, current levels of traffic and the potential for it to continue all make for a convincing case, said Marburger.

"I think we can come up with some pretty good arguments," said Marburger.

He said the main areas of focus over the winter months includes meetings with airlines, planning various projects such as the transmission line project and work on grant proposals. Marburger said it takes a lot of preparation to be ready when the warm weather returns and construction season starts.

Marburger said the airport is a great asset for the economic development of the city.

"For a city this size, we have a very high-quality facility. People can get anywhere in the country, just by getting on a plane in Williston, North Dakota."

Sloulin Field International Airport is located at 421 Airport Rd. in Williston. More information can be found by visiting www.cityofwilliston.com and clicking on the airport department link on the right side of the page, or by calling 701-774-8594.