WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — Officials expect to break ground in the spring on a new airport in Williston, after approval and initial funding from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA has awarded $27 million for the $254 million project, and members of the state's congressional delegation say they're working to secure more federal funding to reduce the cost to the city and state.

Traffic at Williston's current airport is 10 times what it was built to handle, due to the region's oil boom. Regional jet service is now available from Williston to Minneapolis, Denver and Houston.

The city plans to sell the existing 80-acre Sloulin Field International Airport and buy 1,400 acres northwest of the city for the planned Williston Basin International Airport. Airport Director Steven Kjergaard says construction likely will begin next June.

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