PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- While it may be a small facility, the Pierre Regional Airport has a big economic impact.

City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga (high-zin-ga) says it totals over $100-million.

Huizenga says the Pierre airport as a positive impact on the central region of the state.

He says the airport is also used for responding to some emergencies.

At the end of July 2023, over 8300 (8359) people have flown out of the Pierre Regional Airport so far this year. As a federal Essential Air Service airport, if Pierre goes over the 10,000 boardings number, it’s eligible for $1-million from the US Department of Transportation.

In 2022, the Pierre Regional Airport had more than 16,000 commercial enplanements.