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Watertown Council to Consider Agreement With SDDOT for Hangar Pavement Reimbursement

Aerial view of Watertown Regional Airport terminal and runway with Fly ATY graphic and Northeast Radio SD logo over green fields.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will consider approving an agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation that would reimburse the city $24,930.65 for pavement replacement work near the second-generation hangars at Watertown Regional Airport.


The item appears on the June 15, 2026, consent agenda and is submitted by City Manager Alan Stager.


According to the agenda documents, the pavement adjacent to the hangars has deteriorated rapidly, reaching a condition that requires full slab replacement. The issue was not anticipated during the current budget cycle and was not included in this year’s airport budget.


“We currently have pavement adjacent to our second-generation hangars that is in critical need of reconstruction,” the report states. “Due to the rapid deterioration of this area, the repair was not anticipated in the current budget cycle.”


Rather than requesting a budget supplement, the city plans to use its fuel tax account, which is designated for airfield maintenance and development projects. The SDDOT reimbursement would come from that same account.

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Airport Inspection Findings

In a letter included with the agreement, Airport Manager Jan Meriwether Chalfant reported that inspections this year showed increased pavement heaving, cracking, and uneven joints. The area received a PCI rating of 5 in the airport’s 2024 pavement condition index study—indicating severe deterioration.


The airport noted that while the GA apron is scheduled for rehabilitation in FY2030, the condition of this specific hangar area requires immediate action to maintain safety and operational reliability.

Funding Details

• State reimbursement: $24,930.65

• Funding source: Airport fuel tax account

• Project purpose: Hangar pavement replacement


The agreement allows the city to receive 100% reimbursement of eligible project costs, up to the approved amount.


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