Sloulin Field Airport dealt with design concerns, constraints on expansion, and the need for runway works.

In addition, the airport had difficulty coping with a significant rise in air traffic amid the North Dakota oil boom.

Not having to limit air service to Williston during construction at Sloulin Field would save revenue, and the city would gain from decommissioning the old airport and selling the land.

[7] The total cost of the project was $240 million, which was paid by the FAA, the state of North Dakota, and the city of Williston.

[10] Shortly after the airport's opening, both carriers began using larger regional jets accommodating up to 76 passengers on some flights as compared to smaller 50-seat planes used previously in Williston.