Wallace Mobley, Minot
Minot needs a new airport. The current location limits the length of the runway and if population growth projections are accurate, Minot will need larger aircraft to meet passenger demands in the next 20-30 years.
The quickest, easiest, and least expensive solution would be a contract with the Air Force for joint use of the Minot Air Force Base runway. There is an old tanker alert parking ramp on the southeast edge of the base that would accommodate a new terminal with six gates. It has direct access to the runway and would require no runway or taxiway construction to become operational. If runway or taxiways were needed, they could be constructed with the airport operational. A new terminal building, parking lot and access road and the airport could be open for business.