Fargo advances airport-wide alcohol-license proposal and reappoints water authority chair

Fargo City Commissioners unanimously directed the city attorney to draft a new airport-specific liquor-license classification that could allow travelers to carry alcohol through much of Hector International Airport’s secure concourse if the proposal is later approved.

The action taken July 20 does not itself change where alcohol is permitted at the airport. A proposed ordinance must first be drafted and then return to the City Commission for a subsequent approval vote. The city has not provided a date for that vote or final operating rules for the proposed license.

Proposed airport license

The proposed classification is identified as an “A-Airport” liquor license. It would apply specifically to Hector International Airport and could expand where alcohol may be carried within the secured concourse.

Several locations would remain alcohol-free under the proposal: restrooms, children’s play spaces, the sensory room, nursing room, animal-relief area and the security checkpoint.

The proposal is consequential for airport travelers because it could change alcohol rules across much of the secured passenger area. But the commission’s July 20 vote was a direction to prepare legislation, not final authorization for airport-wide alcohol service.

Mahoney reappointed to water authority

In a separate unanimous action, the commission reappointed former Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney to the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board, effective July 20. Mayor Josh Boschee recommended Mahoney’s reappointment.

Mahoney’s appointment concerns Fargo’s representation on the regional authority connected to the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. The project is designed to transport Missouri River water to central and eastern North Dakota during drought conditions.

The commission action does not mean the water project is complete, and the project is intended to provide water during drought conditions rather than guarantee protection from drought.

Construction update also received

Commissioners also received a summer construction update covering several categories of work underway or planned in the city. The update included fiber installation, road reconstruction, storm-sewer repairs, flood-protection work and infrastructure for new development.

The July 20 meeting combined a proposed change affecting airport operations with actions and updates tied to long-term regional water planning and city infrastructure. The next known step for the airport alcohol proposal is drafting the ordinance for later consideration by the commission.