Frequently Asked Questions

Community involvement is the key to the success of this long-range plan. If you have questions or concerns, we want to address them. We’ve compiled the answers to frequently asked questions, but please reach out using the Contact Us tab if these FAQs don’t address what’s on your mind.

What is a Master Plan?
A Master Plan is a comprehensive study of an airport that describes short-, medium-, and long-term development plans. The main goal of a Master Plan is to provide the framework necessary to guide future development that will cost-effectively satisfy aviation demand, while considering potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The existing and proposed conditions are graphically represented on the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) that accompanies the Master Plan.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 150/5070-6B, Airport Master Plans, provides guidance for the preparation of airport master plans.

Why did the Airport complete a Master Plan?
The Airport and City of Williston completed a new comprehensive Master Plan to develop a framework for meeting existing user needs and growth at the new airport over the next 20 years. Focus areas of the Master Plan included developing a phased approach to cargo building area development, evaluation of deicing facility needs, terminal parking needs, and utility improvements including sewer and water extensions.

A goal of the Master Plan was to consider financial feasibility in each decision made. The plan includes a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) document which incorporates XWA capital, equipment, and maintenance projects.

Another goal of the Master Plan was to provide flexibility in long-term planning. While growth scenarios and alternatives were selected, triggering events and scenarios for other needs are documented and considered throughout.

What are the components of a Master Plan?
The Master Plan process includes the following major components:

  • Stakeholder engagement and public outreach

  • Airside and landside inventory

  • Activity forecasting – based aircraft, general aviation and commercial service aircraft operations (takeoffs and landings), cargo activity, passenger enplanements

  • Facility recommendations and alternatives

  • Comprehensive Capital Improvement Planning (CIP)

  • CIP financial feasibility/review of funding sources

  • Airport Layout Plan (ALP) sheet updates

The Master Plan documents the existing conditions, identifies future challenges and potential solutions. The forecasts were updated to document historic activity levels since 2012, which was the baseline year used in the 2016 Master Plan. The Master Plan positions the Airport to accommodate future growth and economic development.

The deliverables of the Master Plan include:

  1. Public Involvement Plan (PIP) – The PIP identifies project stakeholders, outreach methods and tools, and the schedule for outreach efforts. The PIP served as a living document, and was updated throughout the Master Plan process.

  2. Master Plan Report – The report documents the analysis and conclusions reached during the planning process. The FAA accepts the Master Plan and has approval authority over the forecasts contained within.

  3. Airport Layout Plan (ALP) Sheet Update – A scaled graphical depiction of the existing and proposed airport development included in the Master Plan. This part of the project documents the recommended future development that is not already shown on the ALP completed in 2021 for the new airport. In addition to the local stakeholders and the FAA, the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) will have approval authority over the ALP.

  4. Website and outreach materials – This project website was used to share project information with the public. Additionally, flyers, newsletters, an online survey, and other material were developed and shared throughout the project.

How can I learn more?
Project information and updates are provided on this project website. Final documents, meeting agendas, materials, and minutes have been posted and are accessible on this site.

How was this project funded?
The project was 92% funded by the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) which provides grants to airport sponsors, like the City of Williston, for planning and development of public-use airports. The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) is funding 4% of project costs, and the City of Williston is funding the remaining 4%.

When will the projects identified in the Master Plan be implemented?
The Master Plan identifies projects which may be implemented at varying times as needed over the 20-year planning term. Prior to implementation, each project must undergo additional analysis including environmental review through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). For some projects, additional environmental permitting may also be needed. Additionally, project funding must be secured for each project prior to implementation. Funding sources may include the FAA, NDAC, the City of Williston and other sources.