State Legislature Awards $10 Million for Duluth Airport Authority Air Traffic Control Tower Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025

PRESS CONTACT
Duluth Airport Authority
Natalie Baker, Director of Communications and Marketing
(218) 625-7768
nbaker@duluthairport.com

State Legislature Awards $10 Million for Duluth Airport Authority Air Traffic Control Tower Project

Duluth, MN – The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) is pleased to announce the State of Minnesota has approved a $10 million cash allocation during the 2025 legislative session to support the replacement of the Air Traffic Control Tower located at DLH. This marks a major milestone in securing funding essential to strengthening the region’s aviation infrastructure.

The funding, which was included as a part of the state’s Transportation Bill, provides critical support for the replacement of the aging air traffic control tower at DLH. The current facility no longer meets the operational and safety standards required by today’s aviation environment.

“This allocation is a tremendous win for Duluth and the entire region. A modern facility is essential to maintaining safe and efficient operations, and to supporting the airports role as a hub for passenger, cargo, and military flight operations.” said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority. “We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and leadership shown by our state legislators in both the House and Senate, in recognizing the urgent need for this project and championing this funding at the Capitol.”

The $10 million cash allocation will be split between 2026 and 2027, receiving $5 million each year. This award brings the total amount of funding secured for this $72 million project, to $33.2 million from both state and federal funding sources. The DAA will be submitting additional funding applications in the coming months to achieve full funding for this project.

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About the Duluth International Airport

Starting June 1, United Airlines will offer four daily nonstop flights to Chicago and Delta offers four daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are committed to providing our travelers 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 X @DuluthAirport, and like us on facebook.com/duluthairport.