Reconstruct taxilane; reconstruct airfield drainage/erosion control; reconstruct snow removal equipment; rehabilitate helipad

The City of Brainerd, Minnesota, received a $962,761.05 Project Grant award dated September 19, 2025, under the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to support critical infrastructure improvements at Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport. This Phase 1 design-phase grant funds the planning and design activities for a comprehensive airport modernization initiative scheduled for completion by September 18, 2029. The project encompasses the reconstruction of 550 feet of existing Taxilane TLA-004 pavement that has reached the end of its useful life, reconstruction of existing drainage structures to address storm water runoff management, rehabilitation of 6,400 square feet of the airport's helipad to extend operational life, and replacement of snow removal equipment including a carrier vehicle with plow attachment.

As a planning and design phase grant, this award provides the foundational engineering, environmental documentation, and project specifications necessary to advance four distinct airport infrastructure improvements. The funding will enable the City of Brainerd to develop comprehensive designs and plans that will facilitate subsequent construction phases of taxilane rehabilitation, airfield drainage enhancement, helipad restoration, and equipment procurement at this regional transportation facility serving the Brainerd, Minnesota area.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project reconstructs 550 feet of existing taxilane TLA-004 pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. This project reconstructs existing drainage structures to adequately handle storm water runoff that have reached the end of their useful lives. This project rehabilitates 6,400 square feet of existing airport helipad to extend its useful life. This project replaces existing snow removal equipment including a carrier vehicle with plow attachment that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with brainerd, minnesota.