Duluth airports to get $2.6 million in federal grants

Duluth’s airports are receiving more than $2.6 million in U.S. Department of Transportation grants, the area’s congressional delegation announced Monday.
“We are absolutely delighted that the federal government is able to partner with us in continuing to improve and maintain our aging infrastructure here,” Duluth International Airport Executive Director Tom Werner said.
The largest grant - $1,425,601 - will help finish the skywalk connecting the airport’s new terminal and the uncompleted parking ramp. The ramp is expected to open in November.
“We should have an announcement on an official opening date in a week or two,” Werner said.
A grant of $720,589 will allow the airport to buy a combination snowplow/sweeper that will improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, Werner said.
A grant of $466,184 will allow Sky Harbor Airport to begin work on a project to rehabilitate an aircraft parking apron.
“It is sorely needed,” Werner said of the project, which is unrelated to the proposal to realign the runway at the Park Point airport.