Business View Magazine | August 2019

170 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 cream they provide to pilots utilizing the facility. Watertown Regional Airport is experiencing unprecedented growth and exciting expansion plans are underway. “Therefore, we have several construction projects in progress to meet the current and future needs of the region,” Syhre states. “To begin with, we are replacing the commercial terminal apron this summer. Then, the largest project we are looking forward to is a new commercial airline terminal scheduled for 2021-23. The current terminal is over 50 years old, and with the growth we’ve seen in commercial service in the last few years, the old terminal is less than half the size needed. In addition, post 9-11 security changes and Department of Homeland Security and TSA requirements have well-exceeded the available space and design of our current terminal. Standard planning factors were used to create a plan and request funding from the FAA for a 20-25,000-sq.-ft. terminal with a projected cost of approximately $17 million. As is typical, the bulk of the funding will be provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with state and local matching contributions expected. Also, on the list of projects is completion of a new taxiway to create a full parallel taxiway to Runway 35. The FAA has been funding this type of project to remove any taxiway intersections with greater than 90-degree corners to reduce ground accidents and runway intrusions. So, within ten years, we will be moving Taxiway Bravo to line up with the parallel.” The city of Watertown is a vibrant, growing community that depends heavily on its regional airport to support the robust industrial, educational, and recreational opportunities that await its residents and visitors. The Historic Goss Opera House is currently under renovation and modernization to restore it to its 1890’s vigor in the new age. “We are also the birthplace of the release of the Chinese Ringneck Pheasant, which has become a recreational haven for upland game hunters,” Syhre adds. “Lake Kampeska, a 4,000-acre lake within the city limits draws people from all of northeastern SD for water START A CAREER WHERE THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot & Aviation Maintenance Technology FAA Certified, A.A.S. Degrees at lakeareatech.edu 1-800-657-4344 or 605-882-LATI (5284) • Watertown, SD