80 FR 64053 - Notice of Approval of Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the Proposed Replacement Airport (XWA) Serving D-III Aircraft in Williston, North Dakota

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 204 (October 22, 2015)

The FAA is announcing approval of Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for the proposed replacement airport (XWA) serving D-III aircraft in Williston, North Dakota. The FAA approved the FONSI/ROD on September 22, 2015.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 204 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64053-64054]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26879]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Notice of Approval of Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of 
Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the Proposed Replacement Airport (XWA) Serving 
D-III Aircraft in Williston, North Dakota

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is announcing approval of Finding of No Significant 
Impact/Record of Decision for the proposed replacement airport (XWA) 
serving D-III aircraft in Williston, North Dakota. The FAA approved the 
FONSI/ROD on September 22, 2015.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FONSI approved the Sponsor's proposed 
action to develop aviation facilities that meet FAA airport design 
standards and accommodate current and projected levels of aviation 
activity for the Williston area. The need for the proposed action is to 
provide aviation facilities necessary to meet the expected demand for 
the forecasted growth of air traffic in Williston area consistent with 
FAA airport design standards for ARC D-III aircraft, as well as provide 
the capability for anticipated future operation of larger aircraft.
    The City of Williston proposes to decommission the existing Sloulin 
Field International Airport (ISN) and construct, operate and maintain a 
new airport located in Williston, North Dakota. The Airport will be 
relocated approximately 6 miles north and 5 miles west of Williston. 
The proposed new terminal building would be located approximately 2.5 
miles from US Highway 2. The proposed new airport would be called the 
Williston Basin

[[Page 64054]]

International Airport and the airport identifier changed to (XWA).
    The City of Williston proposes to relocate the Sloulin Field 
International Airport to develop aviation facilities that meet FAA 
airport design standards and accommodated current and projected levels 
of aviation activity. They propose to construct two runways and related 
aviation facilities that meet FAA airport design standards for Airport 
Reference Code (ARC) D-III aircraft as well as acquire land for 
compatible land use and expansion of facilities to future aviation 
demands. Development of a replacement airport requires FAA approval of 
an airport layout plan (ALP), the final EA and FONSI/ROD and approval 
of funding from local agencies, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission 
(NDAC), and the FAA. The proposed action would require the acquisition 
of land for the construction of access roads, construction of runways, 
taxiways, aprons and various airport structures, and the installation 
of navigational aids to meet FAA design standards for ARC D-III 
aircraft. The proposed action includes acquisition of land for 
compatible land use, construction of facilities, and the closure and 
sale of the existing Sloulin Field International Airport. The relocated 
airport is anticipated to be constructed from 2015-2018, pending 
funding availability.
    The FONSI/ROD indicates the project is consistent with existing 
environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended and will not 
significantly affect the quality of the environment.
    In reaching this decision, the FAA has given careful consideration 
to: (a) The role of Williston Airport plays in the national air 
transportation system, (b) aviation safety, and (c) preferences of the 
airport owner/operator, and (d) anticipated environmental impact.

DATES: This notice is effective October 22, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lindsay Butler, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Great Lakes Regional Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, 
Des Plaines, IL 60018. Telephone number: 847-294-7723.

    Issued in Des Plaines, IL, on September 30, 2015.
Richard M. Kula,
Manager, Planning/Programming Branch, FAA Great Lakes Region.
[FR Doc. 2015-26879 Filed 10-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P