WASHINGTON — Congressman Pete Stauber announced Monday, Oct. 21, $1,000,000 to help fund the replacement of the existing Air Traffic Control Tower at Duluth International Airport, which is one of the oldest in the country, and $1,140,000 to replace a general aviation terminal building at the Pine River Regional Airport.
“I am excited to announce that more federal funding is returning to the Northland. The airports in our communities, no matter their size, contribute greatly to our regional economies. They ensure Minnesotans stay connected and bring tourism and commerce to our front doors,” Stauber said in a news release. “I am excited that Pine River Regional Airport will focus this investment on general aviation, helping inspire the next generation of aviators and keeping our aviation industry strong. Additionally, I am grateful that more investment is going towards replacing the Duluth Air Traffic Control Tower. I have been advocating for this project since 2019 as its replacement is crucial to keeping up with the growing numbers of travelers that the airport serves each year. This project is so important for a brighter aviation future in northern Minnesota, and I know our work is not done. I will continue working with Duluth Airport Authority Executive Tom Werner to secure the full amount of funding necessary.”
In 2023, Stauber and Sen. Amy Klobuchar led the Minnesota delegation in sending a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration requesting that they expedite reviews and approvals required for the Duluth airport to apply for grant funding to build a new traffic control tower…