NOTICE OF FAA APPROVAL OF A FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) – Construction of an Airport-owned Air Traffic Control Tower and Enabling Projects

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NOTICE OF FAA APPROVAL OF A FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) FOR THE

Duluth International Airport

Construction of an Airport-owned Air Traffic Control Tower and Enabling Projects

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an approved Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the February 2024 Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared for the construction of an airport-owned air traffic control tower (ATCT) and enabling projects (the Action) at the Duluth International Airport, Duluth, Minnesota.

The FONSI indicates that the project is consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and will not significantly affect the quality of the environment. The EA provides information on the action and discussed the potential economic, social, environmental impacts, and mitigation measures, as appropriate, of the construction of an airport-owned ATCT and enabling projects. It was prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, FAA Order 5050.4B, NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions.

The purpose of the Action is to construct a new, airport-owned, ATCT that meets FAA’s minimum siting requirements. The need for the project is due to the existing ATCT being over 70 years old and past its useful life. The replacement ATCT will enable the installation of modern and required air traffic control equipment, provide an adequate and an enhanced work environment, lower operating costs, and improve environmental performance.

The FONSI is available for download here [PDF].

The FONSI is attached to the EA. Notice of the FAA’s FONSI for the February 2024 EA, published on March 6, 2024, will only be available for a 30-day period through April 5, 2024, at the following locations:

  • Duluth Airport Authority administration offices, 4701 Grinden Drive, Duluth
  • Duluth City Hall, 411 West 1st Street, Duluth
  • Hermantown City Hall, 5105 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown
  • Duluth Public Library, 520 West Superior Street, Duluth
  • MNDOT District 1, 1123 Mesaba Avenue, Duluth

For further information, contact:

Ms. Melissa Jenny
Federal Aviation Administration
Dakota Minnesota Airports District Office
6020 28th Ave. S Ste. 101 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55450-2704
Melissa.M.Jenny@faa.gov