Grand Sky, Grand Forks Air Force Base Sign Joint Agreement

The U.S. Air Force and Grand Sky have signed a joint agreement to share the base’s runway.

It wasn’t even a year ago that Grand Sky opened for business putting North Dakota on the global map when it comes to unmanned air crafts.

The joint agreement between Grand Forks County and the Air Force Base is just another step to ensure this cutting edge business stays right in our backyards.
 
“How many times do we get to come here and celebrate another mile stone?” says Representative Kevin Cramer of North Dakota.
 
Not something to complain about at all. In just the brief year Grand Sky has been open the aviation park has made global strides in drone development.
 
“All of our men and women in the Air Force they have a can do attitude and we see it all the time. We see it in this one of a kind project,” says Senator John Hoeven.
 
The extended use agreement means Grand Sky will soon be able to freely use the air force base’s runway.
 
“The agreement links both military and civilian use in drone usage.”
 
Tenants like Northrop Grumman and General Atomics will soon be able to operate right alongside the base’s global hawks.
 
“But I think that’s the only one where you’re utilizing the runway for military and civilian and manned and unmanned aircraft,” says Sen. Hoeven.
 
Hoeven says this move could spark companies from around the globe to come to Grand Forks.

But the celebrations do not mean the work is over.
 
“More work to be done, more collaboration, more cooperation, and more attention to detail but truly a day of celebration,” says Senator Heidi Heitkamp.
 
Because here in Grand Forks, the sky is the limit.

U.S. Air Force Under Secretary Lisa Disbrow also joined lawmakers to celebrate the agreement and was even able to take a tour of the airbase.

Once again, showing just how well suited Grand Sky is for future missions.