Duluth Airport Authority Unveils New Air Traffic Control Tower Design

The Duluth Airport Authority unveiled the planned look for its new air traffic control tower at a Wednesday open house.

According to a Fox 21 report, the air traffic control tower at the Duluth International Airport is over 70 years old, and no longer meets the standards required by the Federal Aviation Administration. Officials say it is the third oldest air traffic control tower in the United States.

The reconstruction project is expected to cost around $66 million, of which the airport authority has raised about $26 million. Officials are hoping the remaining $40 million dollars can be raised in the next few rounds of legislative funding. Much of the funding for the project was provided through the Airport Terminal Program, part of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

When the project is completed, the air traffic control tower will be about 100 feet taller than the current tower, and be moved to a more prominent location in the airport. It currently sits around the outskirts of the runways. Officials say the new control tower will boost the airport’s ability to run safely and efficiently.

Some preliminary work to prepare the area for the new tower has reportedly already been completed, such as utilities work. Additionally, the Duluth Airport Authority plans to demolish an unoccupied building in the area this summer to make more room for construction to get underway.

When the funding is acquired, construction on the new tower could begin by the summer of 2025. Officials say the project could be completed by the end of 2026.