Construct/expand snow removal equipment building; construct/expand hangar; conduct/update airport drainage study; construct taxilane

The City of Duluth, operating as the Duluth Airport Authority, received a $3.54 million Project Grant awarded on September 11, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) programs. The grant funds Phase 2 implementation of multiple airport infrastructure projects serving the Duluth, Minnesota region, with a completion date of September 10, 2029. Specific deliverables include design and pavement removal activities for a new 234-foot taxilane to provide airfield access to non-exclusive hangar development areas, along with tank acquisition and concrete pad design for a 300-square-foot concrete pad and 3,000-gallon storage tank to protect materials from adverse weather conditions.

The project also encompasses construction of a 7,680-square-foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage and the conduct of a new airport drainage study to bring the airport into conformity with current Federal Aviation Administration standards. These infrastructure improvements are designed to enhance operational efficiency, generate revenue to support airport self-sustainability, and ensure the airport maintains compliance with current aviation standards. The grant qualifies for expanded eligibility under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, reflecting the federal government's investment in critical transportation infrastructure modernization.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project conducts a new airport drainage study. This project constructs a 300 square foot concrete pad and 3,000 gallon storage tank to protect the materials from adverse weather conditions. This project constructs a new 234 foot taxilane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project constructs a new 7,680 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage to assist the airport to be as self-sustaining as possible by generating revenue. This project is allowable under the infrastructure investment and jobs act's expanded eligibility. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of design and pavement removal. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of tank acquisition and concrete pad design. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with duluth, minnesota.