Klobuchar and Smith Announce Significant Federal Infrastructure Funding for Duluth International Airport

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they have secured significant federal funding for Duluth International Airport's air traffic control tower replacement project. The grant provides $20 million to fund the relocation of the Duluth air traffic control tower, a non-standard tower commissioned more than 60 years ago, in 1963.

"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," said Senator Klobuchar. "The Duluth Airport is a gateway for visitors from around the country and the world to visit Duluth, and is critical to the Northland's economy. With this major federal investment, Duluth International Airport will be able to continue the vital work of relocating this tower, which will boost efficiency to help travelers arrive and depart on time."

"The Duluth International Airport provides critical service to northern Minnesota, from commercial service to cargo, military and medical flights. Yet it's operating with a 70-year-old tower - the third oldest in the nation. It's out of date, doesn't meet national standards, and has needed replacing for a long time," said Senator Smith. "Air traffic controllers have been doing a tremendous job making the outdated tower work and keeping our skies safe, but funding a new tower will make air travel in the Northland safer and more efficient. I'm glad to see this announcement, and I'll keep pushing for the rest of the funding necessary to get the new tower built."

"With the continued growth of air travel and growing aviation cluster at DLH, investing in infrastructure that supports aviation in our region is more important than ever," said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority. "We are thankful to the Federal Aviation Administration and our Congressional Delegation for their steadfast commitment to securing this essential funding for this shovel ready project."

This grant brings total federal investment secured by Klobuchar and Smith for this project to $37 million, including nearly $6 million secured earlier this year and $10 million secured in 2024. This funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Duluth air traffic control tower replacement project includes design, formulation, site preparation, line of sight obstruction removal, and other related actions. Klobuchar emphasized the need for further federal support for the project to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford during their nomination hearings before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

In 2023, Klobuchar and Smith, and Stauber led the entire Minnesota delegation in sending a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting that they expedite reviews and approvals required for Duluth International Airport to apply for grant funding to build a new air traffic control tower.

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