WILLISTON, North Dakota (March 24, 2021) — Extending its partnership with Williston Basin International Airport (XWA), 100% employee-owned engineering, construction and architecture firm Burns & McDonnell has been selected to provide on-call services for XWA’s engineering, architectural, planning and environmental consultant contract. The agreement spans all projects within the airport’s capital improvement plan throughout a five-year term — from 2021 to 2025.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our partnership with Burns & McDonnell, a trusted partner of XWA, for the development and execution of these critical services,” says Anthony Dudas, airport director at XWA. “Just under two years ago, Burns & McDonnell helped us complete the ground-up design and construction of our world-class airport in Williston. We look forward to continuing our partnership to sustain the growth and improvement of this facility for years to come.”

Funded by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), state and local funds, the on-call program includes:

• Updating the airport’s master plan
• Construction of a general aviation cargo apron
• Parking lot development and expansion
• Aircraft deicing containment improvements
• Airfield drainage improvements
• Design and construction of runway 4/22 parallel taxiway
• Gravity and force main wastewater system improvements
• Architectural services for ground service equipment storage and hangars

“Burns & McDonnell has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with XWA over the years and the airport continues to be an invaluable business partner for our firm,” says Andy Loftus, aviation project manager at Burns & McDonnell. “Our fully integrated team is dedicated to delivering XWA’s improvement projects through phased implementations that minimize disruptions, keeping passengers, airline staff and airport employees moving smoothly amid construction.”

From 2018 to 2020, Burns & McDonnell completed multiple design and construction projects for XWA. As part of the ground-up project and fastest-built commercial airport since World War II, the firm delivered:

• The 50,000-square-yard general aviation apron and the supporting general aviation taxilane system as well as designing a greenfield crosswind runway.
• Five miles of perimeter and access roads and seven miles of 10-foot-tall wildlife perimeter fencing.
• Airfield electrical vault for the airport, including room for a generator sized to power all airfield lighting.
• Quick turnaround facility and rental car/employee parking lots to serve three rental car vendors and airport staff.
• Steel structures to support the medium intensity approach lighting with runway alignment indicator lights system for the primary runway.
• A 4,500-foot-long concrete crosswind runway

Constructed to serve increased commercial aircraft traffic and support the growing local economy, the airport comprises two runways and a 110,000-square-foot terminal. Four gates and three jet bridges also bolster XWA’s ability to accommodate 350,000 passengers annually.

“We’re honored to once again provide aviation design and construction services for XWA,” says Gene Sieve, vice president and general manager for Burns & McDonnell in Minneapolis-St. Paul. “Our Upper Midwest aviation team has done a phenomenal job overseeing the original airport design and construction program, and we greatly appreciate XWA’s trust in continuing to partner with us to help the airport and surrounding community flourish.”

Burns & McDonnell provides a comprehensive range of aviation services, encompassing program management, master planning, facility design and construction, environmental planning and permitting, commissioning, and operational systems design. From sophisticated IT and baggage networks to aircraft overhaul hangars and fire protection systems, the firm’s professionals specialize in every aspect of aviation facility design and construction.

Burns & McDonnell plans, designs and builds projects for aviation clients from offices across the U.S. and around the world. The firm is ranked No. 7 in Airports by Engineering News-Record and has experience working at more than 350 airports worldwide. The firm will be supported by local subconsultant groups Alliance Consulting and American Engineering Testing (AET) as well as Upper-Midwest partners Alliiance and Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH).

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 7,600 engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities with more than 60 offices globally. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned and proud to be on Fortune’s list of 100 Best Companies to Work For. Learn how we are designed to build.

About Williston Basin International Airport (XWA)

Williston Basin International Airport is located in Williston, North Dakota, and services western North Dakota and eastern Montana. The Williston area offers excellent hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, and is part of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Williston is also located in the center of Bakken Formation, the largest continuous oil reserve ever assessed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Williston Basin International Airport opened Oct. 10, 2019.