Duluth Airport Authority Receives Federal Grant for New Air Traffic Control Tower

Posted on by nbaker

Duluth, MN — The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) has been awarded a $10M grant under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program (ATP). This is the 5th largest funding amount granted for an air traffic control tower project in the country, this cycle.  The grant will be put toward the replacement of the nearly 70-year-old Air Traffic Control Tower located at Duluth International Airport (DLH).  The project’s total cost is estimated to be $66M. The total amount requested from this federal funding source was $52M.

“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.

The ATP grant program was created through the Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act which established a federal funding source for locally owned Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) that previously did not exist.

“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 Representative  Stauber

Air Commerce at DLH has grown exponentially since the tower was constructed. As it continues to grow, it is essential air traffic control services have a modern facility from which to operate.

“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. With this major federal grant, Duluth International Airport will be able to relocate the air traffic control tower, which will boost efficiency and safety”, said Senator Klobuchar

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

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About Duluth International Airport

The new state-of-the-art passenger terminal at the Duluth International Airport opened for business on January 14, 2013. Currently, United Airlines offers three daily nonstop flight to Chicago and Delta offers three daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul. Effective February 2, Sun Country will be offering nonstop flights to Fort Myers, Florida. We are committed to providing our customers with superior services in a safe, secure and professional environment. Be sure to visit our Club DLH Business Suite, designed with the working traveler in mind. Visit duluthairport.com, follow us on Twitter @DuluthAirport, and like us on facebook.com/duluthairport.