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Runways & Taxiways
DGR Engineering partnered with another firm on this apron expansion lighting project. The goal was to achieve adequate lighting levels for air cargo operations at the expanded cargo apron facilities. High mast/pole heights were required to achieve the recommended luminance on the apron. With high mast pole heights, uniformity, shadow control, and glare control were of great necessity for the air traffic control tower, ground personnel, aircraft in-flight and taxiing on the ground.
LED light technology was utilized to improve energy efficiency, provide a long service life, and reduce maintenance on the high mast/pole mounting heights. Providing adequate lighting for the area was the key aspect of the project to support the ground and air operations of the regional air cargo operator.
For many years, the City of Springfield, South Dakota, faced increasingly severe pavement deterioration at its municipal airport. The runway and taxiway system, originally built in the early 1980s and overlaid in 2006, had received only minor repairs, and by 2024, large cracks and failing pavement threatened the airport’s viability. A 2021 SDDOT pavement condition study confirmed that every pavement section had effectively failed, making full reconstruction essential to avoid potential closure. In response, the City partnered with the FAA, SDDOT, and DGR Engineering (DGR) to develop a long‑term solution. With project costs estimated at $5 million, Springfield committed all available AIP and IIJA funding and, with DGR’s support, successfully secured over $3.9 million in competitive FAA Discretionary funds. As Mayor Kostal noted, strong collaboration and communication were critical to the project’s success.
Design efforts modernized the runway, taxiway, and apron to meet current FAA standards, improved drainage and durability, and addressed safety‑critical grading issues. Construction began in spring 2025, and despite persistent rainfall, it was completed that fall through careful coordination between the contractor and engineering team. The reconstructed airfield now provides a safer, more efficient, and more resilient airport for the community, ensuring long‑term service, reduced maintenance needs, and ongoing support for local growth.
New Airport Development
Sioux County Regional
Airport Takes Flight
Development of New Airport Culminates
with November 2018 Grand Opening
Project Owner:
Sioux County Regional Airport Authority
Key Features:
- Airport Grading
- Airport Paving
- Navigational Systems
- Approach Development
- 5,500 ft. Runway
- Runway/Taxiway Lighting Systems
- Precision Approach Path Indicators
- Runway End Identifier Lights
- Medium Approach Lighting System
- Drainage Improvements
- Landside Development
- Hangars
- Terminal Building
- Parking Facilities
- Electrical Facilities
- Utilities
- Fueling Facilities
- Access Road
The two existing airports in Sioux County, Iowa, built over 50 years ago, had constraints that limited both usage and aircraft size. Discussions for a new regional airport to address these issues began in 1999, although earthwork did not begin until 2015.
DGR Engineering (DGR) led the design and construction phase engineering for the development of the $30 million airport. Tasks included all phases of design and construction engineering activities.
In all, 17 general contractors and major subcontractors were involved in the project, which opened in November of 2018. Not only can the new regional airport receive larger planes, it can also provide hangar space for 75 aircraft, and has a larger aircraft maintenance shop along with increased charter office space.
In addition to several other phases of the extensive project, construction of the runways and taxiways were completed in three phases beginning with a $3.5 million first grading phase in 2016. The construction of the $4 million initial paving project was completed in fall 2017. A final $5 million paving and electrical project was completed in 2018.
DGR also provided design and construction services for support facilities that included a new 15,400 square foot terminal building and hangar. The terminal building serves as fixed base operator (FBO) offices and as the airport arrival/departure facility.
The hangar also supports FBO services for the new airport. DGR also designed and provided construction observation for the new fuel system which includes twin 12,000 gallon tanks for aviation and jet fuel.
The airport has had multiple ramp, hangar and utility upgrades in recent years.
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Northwest Iowa
DGR Engineering provided design and construction services for support facilities at the new Sioux County Regional Airport. Plans included a new 15,400 square foot hangar and terminal building. The hangar supports fixed base operator (FBO) services for the new airport. The attached terminal building serves as FBO offices and as the airport arrival/departure facility.
DGR also designed and assisted with construction observation for a new fuel system to include twin 12,000 gallon tanks for avgas and jet fuel.
DGR Engineering completed a recent apron expansion and runway rehabilitation project. DGR is currently designing a hangar area taxiway project. DGR previously provided design and construction services for the $3 million development of a new runway and taxiway. DGR has also managed new hangar facilities, drainage projects, pavement rehabilitation, and other related projects for a total cost of improvements at the airport of over $5 million. Current active projects include: new hangar area development, taxiway design, AWOS relocation, and private hangar development.