SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Two Sioux Falls City Councilors are leading a push to expand the city’s airport, citing its critical role in South Dakota’s economy. Councilors Richard Thomason and Rich Merkouris are behind an effort to help fund the project with a $5 million, interest-free city loan contingent on a matching contribution from the state. The Sioux Falls City Council has given preliminary approval for the loan, which would support a significant upgrade to the airport’s infrastructure. Airport Executive Director Dan Letellier (Let-Luhr) says the expansion is badly needed. While full funding is still pending, airport officials have opted to move forward with a scaled-back version of the project. Groundbreaking is set for next month on nearly $69 million in improvements. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.