SF5222

Purpose

Provide funding to support improvements at the Duluth International Airport, specifically to upgrade air traffic control infrastructure and related facilities.

Main Provisions and Objectives

• A one-time appropriation of 4,000,000 from the state airports fund in fiscal year 2027 to the commissioner of transportation.
• The funds are for a grant to the Duluth Airport Authority to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new air traffic control tower and a base building that includes offices, workspaces, equipment rooms, and support spaces.
• The project includes related site work such as demolition of obsolete buildings, utility construction and installation, and a stormwater retention system; it also covers the replacement of an existing fuel tank.
• A portion of the appropriation must be used as a match to federal funding for the project.

Financial Details and Restrictions

• The appropriation is separate from and in addition to an earlier allocation from Laws 2025 First Special Session, chapter 8, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, paragraph a, clause 1.
• Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the commissioner must not use any of this money for administrative costs.
• This is a one-time appropriation and is available until June 30, 2028.

Timing and Availability

• Funding is designated for fiscal year 2027 and is available for use until June 30, 2028.

Significance

• The bill aims to modernize and expand air traffic control and related infrastructure at the Duluth International Airport, potentially improving airport operations, safety, and capacity through a new control tower and supporting facilities, with alignment to federal funding sources.

Oversight and Compliance

• Funds are to be managed by the commissioner of transportation with a grant to the Duluth Airport Authority, following the stated restrictions on use and match requirements.

Relevant Terms - Duluth International Airport - Duluth Airport Authority - air traffic control tower - base building - design, construct, furnish, equip - offices, office spaces, support spaces, equipment rooms, work spaces, logistic support spaces - site preparation, demolition of obsolete buildings - utilities - stormwater retention system - fuel tank replacement - state airports fund - grant - match to federal funding - administrative costs - Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14 - one-time appropriation - fiscal year 2027 - June 30, 2028 - commissioner of transportation - Laws 2025 First Special Session chapter 8 article 1 section 2 subdivision 2 paragraph a clause 1