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SF 5222

Duluth International Airport improvements appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gene Dornink and 3 co-sponsors

Provides a one-time $4 million state grant (FY 2027) to Duluth Airport Authority to design, construct, and equip a new ATC tower and base building, with a federal-match requirement

Referred to Transportation
#airportsandaircraft #appropriations #citiesandtowns-specific
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Bill Summary · SF 5222

Summary of SF 5222 (2025-2026) — Duluth International Airport Improvements Appropriation

Purpose

  • To provide a targeted state appropriation to support capital improvements at Duluth International Airport, specifically funding the design, construction, furnishings, and equipment for a new air traffic control (ATC) tower and related base building.

Key Provisions

  • Funding and Source

    • Creates a one-time appropriation of $4,000,000 in FY 2027.
    • Source: Minnesota State Airports Fund.
    • The appropriation is in addition to previously enacted funding (Laws 2025, First Special Session, ch. 8, art. 1, sec. 2, subd. 2, para. (a), clause (1)).
    • The grant is to be issued from the commissioner of transportation to the Duluth Airport Authority.

  • Eligible Use of Funds

    • The grant is designated for the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of a new ATC tower and a base building at Duluth International Airport.
    • The base building will include:
    • Office spaces and office support spaces
    • Equipment rooms
    • Work spaces
    • Logistic support spaces
    • Project scope also includes:
    • Site preparation and related site support areas
    • Demolition of obsolete buildings
    • Construction and installation of utilities
    • Stormwater retention system
    • Replacement of an existing fuel tank

  • Restrictions and Conditions

    • A portion of the $4 million must be used as a match to federal funding for the project.
    • The appropriation may not be used for administrative costs (i.e., cannot fund administrative overhead from this grant).
    • This is a one-time appropriation and has a sunset/availability window: funds are available until June 30, 2028.

  • Administrative Reference

    • The bill directs the funds to the Duluth Airport Authority via the Minnesota Department of Transportation (commissioner of transportation).

Who Is Affected

  • Duluth Airport Authority: Primary recipient and implementer of the project, responsible for executing design, construction, and furnishing/equipment for the ATC tower and base building.
  • Air Travelers and Airport Operations: Indirect beneficiaries through enhanced ATC capabilities, improved facilities, and related infrastructure improvements.
  • Federal Funding Partners: The project is expected to leverage federal funds, given the requirement for a local match.
  • Minnesota State Airports Fund: Source of the appropriation, with a directive that the funds be used specifically for the described project.

Timeline and Procedure

  • Effective/Disbursement Timing: The appropriation is for fiscal year 2027, with funds available for obligation toward the project and related expenditures.
  • Availability Window: Funds must be obligated or expended by June 30, 2028.
  • Legislative Path: Introduced and referred to the Senate Transportation committee; sponsors include Jasinski, Farnsworth, Green, Dornink, with Rob Farnsworth as a co-sponsor.

Practical Impact

  • Enables the Duluth International Airport to upgrade its ATC infrastructure, potentially improving safety, efficiency, and capacity.
  • Provides a clear mix of site development, structural/utility work, and compliance with federal funding matching requirements.
  • The project prioritizes modernization while placing emphasis on controlling administrative overhead and ensuring timely use of the funds within the specified period.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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