Six airports in northeast Minnesota will receive significant federal funding to improve safety and efficiency.
Friday, 8th Dist. Cong. Jim Oberstar notified airport managers they will be receiving the grant money from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Park Rapids Municipal Airport - Konshok Field was awarded $450,000 to expand the ramp and remove obstructions.
According to Dave Konshok, vice chair of the Airport Commission, the money will go toward enlarging the service and parking area at the new hangar building and tying the structure to the main airport ramp.
Besides the additional asphalt, the project will include moving aviation fueling facilities and installing more lighting.
ADVERTISEMENT
The city's share is 5 percent of the project cost or greater depending on how the bids come in since the federal share is up to $450,000, Konshok said
Konshok said TKDA of St. Paul, engineering consultant on the project, is currently preparing bid specifications for the project and the airport commission hopes the work will be done this summer.
"These are important investments," said Oberstar. "Airports are vital links to the global market place. They bring people and ideas into our state and send Minnesota products around the world."
FAA grants also will be made to the following airports: Duluth International Airport $1,058,300, International Falls International Airport $300,000, Longville Municipal Airport $239,685, Mora Municipal Airport $3,025,750 and Tower Municipal Airport $242,250.
