Duluth International Airport Receives Federal Funding

The Duluth International Airport will receive federal funding to go towards the replacement of their air traffic control tower.

Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Pete Stauber announced the airport will receive $10 million dollars in funding to replace the over 70 years old air traffic control tower which officials say has reached the end of its useful life. It is currently the third oldest air traffic control tower in the United States.

The total cost of the project is about $66 million, and it will make the control tower about 100 feet taller than it is currently. The new tower will also be moved to a more prominent location in the airport, away from the outskirts where it stands now.

Duluth International Airport officials are requesting another $42 million in federal funding and an additional $14 million of state funding. If that funding is approved, construction on the new air traffic control tower could begin by the summer of 2025.

Officials also announced that Two Harbors Helgeson Municipal Airport would receive federal funding. The airport will receive just over $1.1 million to construct a new terminal, replacing the existing terminal which is just 640 square feet.

Officials say that not only will updating the airports improve their ability to function safely and efficiently, but it will create good construction jobs and boost the local economy.

The funding for the projects at the Duluth International Airport and the Two Harbors Helgeson Municipal Airport comes from the Airport Terminal Program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.