The Duluth Airport Authority has secured more than $20 million in new federal funding to help replace the aging air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport, officials said Monday.
The $20.25 million award, provided through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Program, will support a long-planned project to relocate and rebuild the tower at DLH. The current facility, at roughly 70 years old, is one of the oldest operating towers in the country.
“With the continued growth of air travel and the aviation cluster at DLH, investing in infrastructure that supports aviation in our region is more important than ever,” Tom Werner, the airport authority’s executive director, said in a statement. He thanked the FAA and Minnesota’s congressional delegation for securing funding for what he called a “shovel-ready project.”
The Airport Terminal Program, created under the federal infrastructure law, provides competitive grants for locally owned air traffic control towers such as the one in Duluth.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the tower’s age makes replacement urgent.
“Duluth International Airport’s air traffic control tower is one of the oldest in the country and urgently needs an upgrade, which is why I have worked across the aisle to secure this funding,” Klobuchar said. She called the airport “a gateway” for visitors and a key piece of the Northland economy.
Sen. Tina Smith said controllers have kept operations safe under challenging conditions but added that a modern tower is needed to improve efficiency and safety.
“It’s out of date, doesn’t meet national standards, and has needed replacing for a long time,” Smith said. “Funding a new tower will make air travel in the Northland safer and more efficient.”
Rep. Pete Stauber said he pushed for funding to improve safety and bolster the airport’s long-term competitiveness.
“I’m proud to have worked closely with Secretary Duffy to deliver this significant investment,” Stauber said, adding his thanks to the Trump administration for backing the project.
Airport officials say the project will enhance safety, improve operations and support economic growth in the region. With full funding, construction could begin as early as next year and is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs.
The airport authority said it will continue working with state and federal partners to secure the remaining money needed to move the project into the construction phase.
