Construct new federal contract tower

The City of Mankato received a $132,200 Project Grant award on May 27, 2025, from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106), which also encompasses Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs and COVID-19 Airports Programs. This grant funds Phase 1 of a project to construct a new sponsor-owned Federal Contract Tower at Mankato Regional Airport and acquire eligible equipment. The Phase 1 funding specifically supports completion of an environmental assessment required prior to proceeding with tower construction and equipment installation.

The grant will benefit the Mankato airport and surrounding region by supporting critical air traffic control infrastructure modernization. As a civilian FAA program, the Airport Improvement Program aims to develop and maintain a comprehensive nationwide system of public-use airports meeting the needs of civil aeronautics while advancing safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure resilience. The project is scheduled for completion by May 26, 2029, consistent with the typical four-year grant performance period under this program.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project constructs a new sponsor-owned federal contract tower and acquires and installs eligible equipment. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of an environmental assessment. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with mankato, minnesota.