2026 Airport Grant awards
We're excited to announce the 2026 Airport Grant awards, which include capital improvement, planning, and fuel infrastructure projects. These investments support the continued safety, sustainability and accessibility of Minnesota’s local public airport system. These projects are funded with a combination of state airport funds and state general funds approved by the Minnesota Legislature.
Capital Improvement Grant
This year, we selected 30 local airports throughout Minnesota to receive $6.4 million for capital improvement projects. This grant funds critical upgrades including pavement maintenance, obstruction removal, fencing, lighting, hangar repairs, and other facility improvements that enhance airport operations and user safety.
| Facility Name | FAA ID | Project Title | Total Score | Total Cost | State Funds | Local Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | CBG | Crack Seal Airfield Pavements | 75 | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Ada | D00 | Crack Sealing | 75 | $35,000 | $31,500 | $3,500 |
| Baudette | BDE | Runway 12/30 Obstruction Removal | 75 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | Taxiway A Crack Repair | 73 | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Clarissa | 8Y5 | Pilot Facility and Runway Improvements | 70 | $124,000 | $111,600 | $12,400 |
| Sleepy Eye | Y58 | Runway 14/32 Turf Rehabilitation | 70 | $85,000 | $76,500 | $8,500 |
| Eveleth | EVM | GA Apron Repair | 69 | $30,000 | $21,000 | $9,000 |
| Herman | 06Y | Wind Cone Replacement | 67 | $22,000 | $19,800 | $2,200 |
| Henning | 05Y | Turf Improvements and Obstruction Removal | 65 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Red Wing | RGK | Crack Seal - Primary Runway and Taxiway | 65 | $145,000 | $101,500 | $43,500 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | South Hangar Taxilanes Rehabilitation (Mill & Overlay) | 65 | $200,000 | $140,000 | $60,000 |
| Brooten | 6D1 | 2"" Mill and Overlay Apron and Runway - Design/Bidding | 65 | $157,000 | $141,300 | $15,700 |
| Granite Falls | GDB | Runway 15/33 Lighting System Upgrade to LED | 62 | $750,000 | $675,000 | $75,000 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | Ramp Lighting LED Upgrade | 62 | $15,000 | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Caledonia | CHU | Terminal Area Security Fence and Gate | 62 | $30,000 | $21,000 | $9,000 |
| Cambridge | CBG | 2025 Perimeter Fence Repair | 62 | $75,000 | $52,500 | $22,500 |
| Morris | MOX | Terminal Area Security Fence and Gate | 62 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Fertile | D14 | Airfield Pavement Maintenance | 60 | $125,000 | $112,500 | $12,500 |
| Northome | 43Y | Disk & Level Runway | 60 | $25,000 | $22,500 | $2,500 |
| Red Lake Falls | D81 | Crack Seal | 60 | $20,000 | $18,000 | $2,000 |
| Brainerd | BRD | Crack Sealing | 60 | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Bagley | 7Y4 | Runway Rehab Cost Analysis | 60 | $37,500 | $31,500 | $3,500 |
| Remer | 52Y | ALP, CZAP, Pack and Roll Runway, Emergency Phone Box | 60 | $125,500 | $112,950 | $12,550 |
| Winsted | 10D | Runway Topsoil & Seeding | 60 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Duluth International | DLH | Airside Pavement Maintenance | 58 | $150,000 | $105,000 | $45,000 |
| Hill City | 07Y | Security Fence - Phase 1 | 57 | $260,000 | $234,000 | $26,000 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | T-Hangar #2 Siding and Roof Replacement | 56 | $150,000 | $90,000 | $60,000 |
| Buffalo | CFE | T-Hangar Door Replacements - (2) | 56 | $60,000 | $36,000 | $24,000 |
| Morris | MOX | FBO Hangar Door Replacement | 56 | $175,000 | $105,000 | $70,000 |
| Lake Elmo | 21D | Runway 4-22 Reconstructon | 56 | $4,153,579 | $1,000,000 | $3,153,579 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | T-Hangar #1 Roof Replacement | 56 | $100,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| Fertile | D14 | Parcel 9 Land Acquisition | 55 | $75,000 | $67,500 | $7,500 |
| St Cloud | STC | Crack Seal | 55 | $25,000 | $17,500 | $7,500 |
| St Cloud | STC | Joint Sealing | 55 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Thief River Falls | TVF | Airfield Pavement Maintenance | 55 | $300,000 | $210,000 | $90,000 |
| Duluth International | DLH | Midfield Ramp Repair (Phase 4) | 54 | $1,000,000 | $700,000 | $300,000 |
| Waskish | VWU | Expand Turf Apron, Install tiedowns | 54 | $75,000 | $67,500 | $7,500 |
| Wells | 68Y | Apron Expansion - 240'x220' | 54 | $500,000 | $450,000 | $50,000 |
| Rochester | RST | Corporate Hangar Site Development | 54 | $4,496,110 | $1,000,000 | $3,496,110 |
| Northome | 43Y | Tiedown Installation | 52 | $15,000 | $13,500 | $1,500 |
| St James | JYG | Runway 15/33, Taxiway A, and Apron Pavement Maintenance (crack repair & seal coat) | 50 | $229,100 | $160,370 | $68,730 |
| Paynesville | PEX | Hangar Taxilanes Rehabilitation (Crack Repair) | 50 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Olivia | OVL | Taxilane Reconstruction | 50 | $75,000 | $67,500 | $7,500 |
| Willmar | BDH | Runway 13/31 Pavement Maintenance (Crack Repair & Patching) | 50 | $135,000 | $94,500 | $40,500 |
| Worthington | OTG | South Hangar Taxilanes Rehabilitation(Crack Repair and Seal Coat) | 50 | $200,000 | $140,000 | $60,000 |
| Forest Lake | 25D | Runway 13/31 Extension - 300 feet | 50 | $1,137,627 | $1,000,000 | $137,627 |
| Henning | 05Y | Pavement Improvements design/bid | 49 | $36,000 | $32,400 | $3,600 |
| Mahnomen | 3N8 | Entrance Road and Parking Lot Paving | 49 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Hill City | 07Y | Parking Lot & Drainage Grading | 49 | $23,000 | $20,700 | $2,300 |
| Ada | D00 | Update A/D building with new flooring, sheetrock repair and update plumbing | 48 | $30,000 | $27,000 | $3,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | A/D Building Utilities | 48 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Forest Lake | 25D | Taxiway A Extension - 300 Feet | 48 | $338,774 | $304,897 | $33,877 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | Snow Removal Equipment Building (40'x40') | 46 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Milaca | 18Y | Reconstruct Taxilanes (Phase 3) | 45 | $355,000 | $319,500 | $35,500 |
| Luverne | LYV | 5-Unit T-Hangar Taxilane | 45 | $315,500 | $220,850 | $94,650 |
| Forest Lake | 25D | Apron Expansion - 200' x 80' | 44 | $300,000 | $270,000 | $30,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | Runway Lighting Improvements | 42 | $500,000 | $450,000 | $50,000 |
| Paynesville | PEX | Security Access Gate | 42 | $20,000 | $14,000 | $6,000 |
| Warren | D37 | Obstruction Removal | 42 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Albert Lea | AEL | SRE Building Door Replacement | 41 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Redwood Falls | RWF | Hangar Taxilanes Pavement Maintenance (Crack Repair and Seal Coat) | 40 | $150,000 | $105,000 | $45,000 |
| Brooten | 6D1 | Parking Lot Paving and Apron Fence design/bid | 39 | $24,000 | $21,600 | $2,400 |
| Benson | BBB | Terminal Building Septic System Rehabilitation | 38 | $125,000 | $87,500 | $37,500 |
| St James | JYG | Terminal Area Security Fence and Gate | 37 | $20,000 | $14,000 | $6,000 |
| Blue Earth | SBU | White Hangar Painting | 36 | $43,000 | $25,800 | $17,200 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | Construct SRE Equipment Building | 36 | $400,000 | $360,000 | $40,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | Hangar Site Prep | 36 | $75,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 |
| Backus | 7Y3 | Design - Taxilane Extension & Building Area Site Prep (North) | 35 | $40,000 | $36,000 | $4,000 |
| Olivia | OVL | Design - T-Hangar, Taxilanes, & Apron | 35 | $150,000 | $135,000 | $15,000 |
| St James | JYG | Terminal Building HVAC Replacement | 33 | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Fertile | D14 | A/D Building Design & Construction | 33 | $750,000 | $675,000 | $75,000 |
| Willmar | BDH | Terminal Building Water Well Pump Replacement | 33 | $25,000 | $17,500 | $7,500 |
| Bemidji | BJI | Terminal Building HVAC Replacement | 33 | $750,000 | $525,000 | $225,000 |
| Albert Lea | AEL | T-Hangar Door, Roof, and Lighting Upgrade | 31 | $100,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| St James | JYG | T-Hangar Rehabilitation (Painting) | 31 | $35,000 | $21,000 | $14,000 |
| Mahnomen | 3N8 | Airport Entrance Sign | 29 | $15,000 | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Milaca | 18Y | Remodel A/D Building | 28 | $45,000 | $40,500 | $4,500 |
| Starbuck | D32 | Security Fence | 27 | $139,000 | $125,100 | $13,900 |
| Warren | D37 | Airport Maintenance Building design/bid | 26 | $160,000 | $144,000 | $16,000 |
| Owatonna | OWA | City Owned Maintenance Hangar #11 Roof Replacement | 26 | $560,000 | $336,000 | $224,000 |
| Owatonna | OWA | City Owned Dome Hangar Door Replacement | 26 | $60,000 | $36,000 | $24,000 |
| Redwood Falls | RWF | City Owned T-Hangar Door Replacement | 26 | $200,000 | $120,000 | $80,000 |
| Slayton | DVP | Part 77 Obstruction Lighting | 22 | $43,000 | $38,700 | $4,300 |
| Bemidji | BJI | FBO Building Modifications- Phase II | 21 | $125,000 | $87,500 | $37,500 |
| Fosston | FSE | Install Airport Security Cameras | 20 | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Willmar | BDH | Hangar Access Road Construction | 19 | $250,000 | $175,000 | $75,000 |
| Two Harbors | TWM | Snow Removal Equipment Building (40'x40') | 16 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Slayton | DVP | Hangar Door Rehabilitation | 16 | $282,000 | $169,200 | $112,800 |
| Winona | ONA | FBO Hangar Roof Repair | 16 | $100,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| Stephen | D41 | Public Apron with Fencing and Automobile Parking design/bid | 14 | $108,000 | $97,200 | $10,800 |
Planning Grant
This year, we selected 26 local airports to receive $682,000 to support foundational work, including airport zoning ordinance updates, Clear Zone Acquisition Plans, Airport Layout Plan updates and stormwater planning. These efforts are essential for long-term safety, land-use compatibility, and project readiness.
| Facility Name | Ident | Project Title | Total Cost | State Funds | Local Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | CFE | Runway 18/36 Storm Water Modeling | $20,000 | $14,000 | $6,000 |
| Morris | MOX | Runway 14/32 Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Bagley | 7Y4 | Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | MnDOT Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Rochester | RST | Airport Zoning Update | $113,240 | $79,268 | $33,972 |
| Pine River | PWC | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Waskish | VWU | MnDOT Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Northome | 43Y | MnDOT Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Fosston | FSE | Zoning Update | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Fosston | FSE | Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Henning | 05Y | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $57,000 | $51,300 | $5,700 |
| Herman | 06Y | Airport Zoning + Attorney Allowance | $49,000 | $44,100 | $4,900 |
| Tracy | TKC | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $55,000 | $38,500 | $16,500 |
| Starbuck | D32 | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| St James | JYG | Runway 15/33 Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Aitkin | AIT | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Brooten | 6D1 | ALP Sheet Updates and CZAP | $40,000 | $36,000 | $4,000 |
| Bemidji | BJI | Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Appleton | AQP | Airport Zoning and CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $55,000 | $49,500 | $5,500 |
| Worthington | OTG | Airport Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) | $7,500 | $5,250 | $2,250 |
| Blue Earth | SBU | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Warren | D37 | Airport Zoning + Attorney Allowance | $47,000 | $42,300 | $4,700 |
| Owatonna | OWA | Airport Zoning Ordinance Update | $35,000 | $24,500 | $10,500 |
| Slayton | DVP | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $53,000 | $47,700 | $5,300 |
| Tower | 12D | Airport Zoning Update | $59,000 | $41,300 | $17,700 |
| Maple Lake | MGG | 2024 MMG Taxilane H Amendment | $47,000 | $28,200 | $18,800 |
| Stephen | D41 | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $57,000 | $51,300 | $5,700 |
Aviation Fuel System Grant
This year, we selected 27 local Minnesota airports to receive $7.1 million for projects that will replace or upgrade fuel systems and equipment. Projects include fuel tank and dispenser replacements, fuel truck acquisitions, card reader and payment system upgrades, and major fueling infrastructure relocations. The improvements will ensure safe, reliable, and modern fueling capabilities across Minnesota’s local public airport system.
| Airport | Project title | Total project cost | State funding | Local funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ely | AVGAS Refueling Truck | $175,000 | $105,000 | $70,000 |
| New Ulm | Replace Aircraft Fuel System + civil site work/taxilane work | $1,811,000 | $1,267,700 | $543,300 |
| Moorhead | Moorhead Fuel Tank and Pumps | $575,000 | $345,000 | $172,500 |
| Tracy | Update Fuel System with EMV Chip Reader | $30,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 |
| Henning | EMV Fuel Card Reader and Pump Replacement | $70,000 | $42,000 | $28,000 |
| Glencoe | Fuel System & Tank Replacement | $500,000 | $300,000 | $200,000 |
| Blue Earth | Card Reader System & Fuel Monitor Replacement | $80,000 | $48,000 | $32,000 |
| Dodge Center | Dodge Center Card Reader | $15,318 | $9,190.80 | $6,127 |
| Herman | Fuel System Replacement with EMV Card Reader | $139,000 | $83,400 | $55,600 |
| Waseca | AvGas Fuel Dispenser Replacement and Tank Removal | $150,000 | $90,000 | $60,000 |
| Owatonna | Credit Card Reader Replacement | $30,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 |
| Brainerd | Fuel Monitoring System | $80,000 | $48,000 | $32,000 |
| Brainerd | Fuel Tank | $600,000 | $360,000 | $240,000 |
| Canby | Airport Fuel System Credit Card Reader Enhancement | $20,000 | $12,000 | $8,000 |
| Baudette | Seaplane Ramp Fueling System | $145,000 | $87,000 | $58,000 |
| Baudette | Fuel Farm and Fuel Truck Maintenance | $50,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| Warroad | Update Pay at Pump CC Reader | $28,950 | $17,370 | $11,580 |
| Eveleth | FUEL STATION UPGRADE | $21,714 | $13,028.40 | $6,514 |
| Rush City | Fuel System Cabinet and Card Reader Replacement | $50,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| Winona | Replace AvGAS and Jet-A Fuel Systems | $1,250,000 | $750,000 | $500,000 |
| Pipestone | 100LL and Jet A Fuel System Replacement | $1,000,000 | $600,000 | $400,000 |
| Marshall | Fueling Facility Relocation | $1,191,900 | $715,140 | $476,760 |
| Duluth International | Fuel Farm Relocation | $1,767,418 | $784,232 | $983,186 |
| Duluth Sky Harbor | Fuel Farm Relocation and Improvements | $453,956 | $272,374 | $181,582 |
| Litchfield | 100LL and Jet A Credit Card Reader Pump, and Hose Reel Upgrade | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Hutchinson | 100LL Credit Card Reader Upgrade | $35,000 | $21,000 | $10,500 |
| Morris | Jet A Fuel Truck | $120,000 | $72,000 | $48,000 |
| St Cloud | Jet A Fuel Storage Tank | $1,200,000 | $720,000 | $480,000 |
| Thief River Falls | Fuel Truck Acquisition | $291,000 | $174,600 | $116,400 |
Advancing Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system
The investments supported by Minnesota’s aviation grants align with MnDOT’s Strategic Plan and the Minnesota State Aviation System Plan. They help strengthen a safe, sustainable statewide airport system that serves Minnesotans through: safety, equity and community vitality; climate action; transportation options and integration; and asset management.
Contact
For more information about our 2026 grant programs, contact Arika Johnson.