Orr and Cook airports were among several small airports across northeast Minnesota awarded more than $2 million to improve their facilities and buy new equipment.

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar announced that the funding will come from the Federal Aviation Administration or projects ranging from runway extensions, and high tech navigational aids to new snow removal equipment.

"Airports are important for stimulating the economies of our communities," said Oberstar.  "They move goods and people and create new jobs."

The Orr Regional Airport will receive $441,750 to purchase snow removal equipment, construct a new hangar and install runway visual guidance systems.

The Cook Municipal Airport will receive $126,249 to purchase snow removal equipment.

Other airports receiving funding include:

• Pine River Regional Airport: $148,000 for snow removal equipment and facilities planning.

•Chisholm-Hibbing Airport:  $305,900 to acquire land for aircraft approaches, extend and rehabilitate taxiways.

• Moose Lake-Carlton County Airport: $104,500 to rehabilitate runways, taxiways and aprons.

• Rush City Regional Airport:     $194,750 to construct a new runway and install navigational aids.

• Walker Municipal Airport:  $327,075 for runway extensions and rehabilitation of a taxiway and runway apron.

•  Princeton Municipal Airport: $171,000 to construct a runway and install airfield guidance signs.

• Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport: $230,818 to acquire snow removal equipment.