Federal leaders announced some good news for the Duluth International Airport on Thursday.

$10 million dollars in grant funding is coming for the air traffic control tower relocation project.

The current tower was commissioned in 1963, and is one of the oldest in the country.

The total cost of the project is $66 million, according to the airport.

“We appreciate the support from our Congressional Delegation and the work of the entire legislative team in securing this highly competitive funding. The grant is a great start, and we look forward to securing future grants to complete this project,” said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority

Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Pete Stauber weighed in.

“Duluth International Airport’s air traffic control tower is one of the oldest in the country and needs an upgrade, which is why I pushed for this funding,” said Klobuchar. “With this major federal grant, Duluth International Airport will be able to relocate the air traffic control tower, which will boost efficiency and safety.”

“I am thrilled that the Duluth International Airport has been awarded $10 million in funding to go towards the replacement of the air traffic control tower, funding I have been advocating for since 2019. An upgrade is desperately needed as the air traffic control tower was constructed in the 1950s and is the third oldest in the country. The Duluth International Airport is a key driver for our local economy, and these funds will go a long way in making it safer and more competitive for the 21st century in addition to creating a suitable environment for the next generation of aircraft for the 148th Fighter Wing. I am grateful to have worked with both Senator Klobuchar and Duluth Airport Authority Executive Tom Werner for this funding, and I will continue to work to secure full funding for this vital project in order to ensure a brighter and safer aviation future for the Northland,” said Stauber.

“Our Congressional Delegation has worked tirelessly to secure this initial round of funding for our air traffic control tower project. We couldn’t ask for better champions for our aviation economy in Northeast Minnesota. Air commerce at DLH has grown exponentially since the tower was constructed. As it continues to grow, air traffic control services must have a modern facility from which to operate. We are looking forward to continuing to work with our Congressional Delegation to secure additional funding to replace the 70-year-old tower at DLH,” said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority.

This funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

The DAA will be requesting $14 million in matching funds from the State of Minnesota again this session.

Also, Klobuchar and Senator TIna Smith announced federal funding for Two Harbors Helgeson Municipal Airport. The grant is $1,140,000 to fund construction of their new terminal.