Shift taxiway; reconstruct airport rotating beacon; reconstruct runway visual guidance system; reconstruct airfield equipment

The City of Benson was awarded $263,000 in federal funding on August 13, 2025, through the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106), administered by the Federal Aviation Administration's Great Lakes Region office. This Phase 1 design grant funds the planning and engineering for comprehensive airport infrastructure improvements at Benson Municipal Airport. The project scope encompasses reconstruction of the Precision Approach Path Indicator System for Runway 14/32 at both runway thresholds, replacement of the Runway End Identifier Lights System, installation of a new airport rotating beacon, replacement of the wind cone, and relocation of Taxiway A3 approximately 186 feet to achieve compliance with current Federal Aviation Administration standards.

The grant will deliver design services and engineering documentation necessary to advance these four major airport infrastructure projects from planning through construction phases. The award period extends through August 12, 2029, providing adequate time for design completion and subsequent construction implementation. As a Phase 1 design-stage grant, these deliverables will establish technical specifications, cost estimates, and project schedules for the modernization of aging runway guidance and visual systems, as well as taxiway realignment to bring the airport into regulatory compliance with current safety and operational standards.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project reconstructs the precision approach path indicator system runway 14/32, at both runway thresholds, that have reached the end of their useful lives. This project reconstructs the runway end identifier lights system for runway 14/32, at both runway thresholds, that have reached the end of their useful lives. This project replaces one existing airport rotating beacon that has reached the end of its useful life. This project replaces the existing wind cone that has reached the end of its useful life. This project shifts existing paved taxiway A3 by 186 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with benson, minnesota.