Iowa Congressional Leaders on the Importance of Des Moines International Airport Terminal Project

Following the recent groundbreaking of the Des Moines International Airport terminal project, the 2024 round of applications for the U.S. Department of Transportation Airport Terminal Program are underway. Supporting the DSM Airport new terminal project has been a Strategic Priority for The Partnership for the past five years. The new terminal will bring numerous benefits, including increased capacity, improved amenities, and a more convenient and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. It will also contribute to the economic vitality of the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region by creating jobs and driving tourism and business growth.

Why It's Vital to Support the Airport Terminal Project

The DSM Airport received $5 million in 2022 and $10.8 million in 2023 through the Airport Terminal Program and a key element of those applications were letters of support from Iowa’s Congressional Delegation. Support for the terminal project has been a key element of support for the advancement of the project. The Partnership caught up with members of Iowa’s Congressional to learn why they support the project:

“It was vital that the bipartisan infrastructure bill included a new program to help fund airport terminals and I was pleased to help make that happen for Iowa airports. It has been great that the Des Moines International Airport has received federal funding in the first two rounds of this new program and I will continue to advocate for the terminal needs in the current and subsequent rounds of this competitive grant program. The terminal project is important for upgrading the safety and passenger needs of travelers in and out of our state. To many it is Iowa’s first gateway and it should be safe, secure, and welcoming.” – U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

“The Des Moines International Airport needs modernization and expansion to continue serving as a key economic driver for our state. Iowans are glad this project has taken flight to spur growth and to better serve our state, our visitors, and our economy.” – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst

“The Des Moines International Airport has been working hard over the past several years to build a much-needed new terminal. I’m proud of the work members of our Congressional delegation and local community leaders have done, and continue to do, to bring in the funding necessary to complete this project. A new terminal would accommodate the larger numbers of passengers coming through the airport each year for an improved experience and it would increase the number of plane gates to bring more flight options to Central Iowans. Both of these improvements would greatly benefit the economy of Central Iowa.” – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks

“Air travel anywhere is a pain — from delayed flights to poor customer service and tight seats — but the Des Moines Airport terminal project will make traveling easier and more comfortable for Iowans. I’m proud to be leading the fight to secure funding for our airport in Congress, and I’ll keep pushing to help improve Iowa’s travel options every chance I get!” – Representative Zach Nunn

This project's success is thanks in large part to leaders like Iowa’s Congressional delegation and the elected leaders from communities throughout the DSM region that have stepped up with additional funds to ensure future completion of the project.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 13% below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life. In 2022, Site Selection Magazine named it a top metro for a number of economic development projects.  

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.