Business View Magazine | August 2019

168 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 were accomplished by “following the lights on Kemp Avenue.” During World War II, the airfield was developed and operated by the United States Army Air Forces as a Second Air Force cold weather bomber training base, as an auxiliary to Sioux Falls Army Air Field, and by Air Proving Ground Command. It was then that the airfield was expanded into the current layout to accommodate the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator units that underwent advanced training at Watertown Army Air Field before deploying overseas for combat missions. After the war, the government released the land to the City of Watertown, which has owned and operated the airport ever since. Watertown Regional Airport has a 24- hour staffed Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station on the field, which provides rapid response to events on and off the field for the City of Watertown. In addition, there is a military shooting range on Airport property, leased by the South Dakota National Guard. Commercial air service is provided by SkyWest Airlines operating as United Express under the Essential Air Services (EAS) program. SkyWest offers two daily flights to Denver in 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet 200s. The Airport has seen considerable growth over the past several years with passenger loads exceeding 11,000 in 2017; 13,000 in 2018; and on track for 16,000- plus in 2019. Daily service, direct to Chicago, is scheduled to begin in September 2019. The Airport also hosts several other air-related services. “United Parcel Service (UPS) has daily service and a few other cargo companies utilize the Airport regularly,” says Airport Manager, Todd Syhre. “Sun Country Airlines has provided charters in the past and, with improved facilities, we hope to re-establish these flights.” Football and basketball team charters for South Dakota State University (SDSU) and other regional teams find Watertown Regional Airport convenient to use. In addition, there is daily corporate air traffic supporting several local businesses The Airport is also home to the Lake Area