Airports in Duluth, Grand Rapids, Twin Cities Receiving FAA Grant Money

Airports in Duluth, Grand Rapids, Twin Cities Receiving FAA Grant Money Photo: KSTP/ File

July 17, 2018 08:15 AM

Three airports in Minnesota are receiving infrastructure grant money from the Federal Aviation Administration.

According to the FAA, Duluth International Airport in Duluth, Grand Rapids-Itasca County Airport in Grand Rapids, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in the Twin Cities are among the 390 airports nationwide receiving about $659.8 million, total.

Duluth International Airport is receiving $8.6 million to help fund repairs to runway pavement. Grand Rapids-Itasca County Airport is receiving $1.1 million to help fund the repair of the "general aviation apron." Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is receiving $5.8 million to help replace existing taxiway pavement and install runway lights and sensors.

"Our airports are essential in supporting $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and nearly 11 million jobs; these federal grants will help our airports to maintain safety and improve efficiency for freight and passengers," U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a statement.

Meanwhile, officials with the Metropolitan Airports Commission announced they are considering major changes to parking at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Those changes could include a pre-booking system and a dynamic pricing system.