It is with great anticipation that Minot awaits the opening of its new airport terminal and the tremendous growth it represents. Just weeks from now, the beautiful new terminal will showcase how much busier Minot is today, even in an economic downturn. The airport growth demonstrates the vital role Minot plays as air hub of western North Dakota.

The new terminal is wonderfully designed to reflect the look of Minot and is built for the future, which is the way progress should occur but so rarely does. Inevitably, the economy will improve and Minot will be better prepared to deal with it because of the vision that went into planning this new airport facility.

Many might think of an airport as merely a transportation hub. But airports are far more than that. They are economic engines of near-unparalleled status in many communities and this is true in Minot. Yesterday’s Minot Daily News outlined just how significant the airport is economically.

Airports represent more than just transportation and even economics. They are vital links to the rest of the country and to the world. Expanded opportunities for air travel, which are sure to come, are open doors to exploration. For too long, rural parts of this country have been shut off from large population centers and far-flung parts of the globe, fostering insular feelings and a sense of isolation. Sure, we aren’t going to be taking off for Paris or Jerusalem directly from Minot anytime soon. But expanding infrastructure at the airport paves the way for further expansion, shrinking the world and bringing Minot closer to the rest of the world. The world has been “shrinking” for decades because of connectivity. Minot is making some small steps to making that reality here.

Minot should embrace the airport expansion as a sign of progress financially sound, well-planned progress.