Falls International Airport will get $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration to improve runway safety.
U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar and Sen. Norm Coleman announced Friday that the Falls airport is among several to be awarded grants through the fund.
The money will allow for a project at the northwest end of the runway, according to Bob Anderson, chairman of the Koochiching County-International Falls Airport Commission.
Anderson said the area is considered in the airport’s safety zone and the FAA wants a ditch in the area leveled and brush removed to make it safe should a plane ever go off the end of the runway.
“This makes our airport a better facility,” he said. “With the longer runway, we can expect larger planes and want to make sure all other details taken care of around airport. We’re pleased to get this project started this summer.”
Airports in Duluth, Tower and elsewhere were also awarded grants.
The funding is important to local airports, according to Coleman and Oberstar.
“Local airports are an important part of our state’s transportation infrastructure and a source of economic opportunity for rural areas,” said Coleman. “During my many travels around the state, I often hear about the importance of local airports, as well as a common need to improve and expand them for future use. These grants will help ensure the viability of these airports and I applaud the FAA for awarding them.”
Oberstar said local airports connect Minnesota with the rest of the world.
"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 will be made to the following airports:
• Duluth International Airport: $1.05 million to improve the terminal building to accommodate new service and to upgrade runway apron.
• International Falls International Airport: $300,000 to improve runway safety.
• Longville Municipal Airport: $239,685 for snow removal equipment.
• Mora Municipal Airport: $3 million for runway reconstruction and extension, to upgrade aprons and taxiways and to install runway visual guidance systems.
Park Rapids Municipal Airport - Konshok Field: $450,000 to expand runway apron and remove obstructions.
• Tower Municipal Airport: $242,250 to acquire snow removal equipment, enhance runway safety and update the airport master plan study.
The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program provides grants to public and private airports to promote the development and modernization of local airports. Funds for these projects generally go toward airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns.
For more information, please visit http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/aip [1].