Federal grant provides $15.77 for RST’s runway improvement project

The Federal Aviation Administration recently provided a $15.77 million grant to RST that will be used to continue improving the airport’s runways and other infrastructure.

This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

The $15.77 million awarded to RST will fund the fifth of seven phases of the airport’s ongoing Runway 2/20 Safety Project. Funds will be used to relocate 1.4 million cubic yards of fill material needed to resolve pilot line-of-sight issues for both runways and to elevate an area for the runway extension. Phase five also includes the construction of a new 2.5-mile service road and the installing 15,000 feet of wildlife perimeter fencing.

According to Heather Corcoran, Legislative and Policy Director for the City of Rochester, RST received the largest grant of all Minnesota airports in this round of AIP grants. Minnesota received a total of $68 million for 37 airports.

“We are grateful to our bipartisan congressional delegation for their continued support of RST and this sizable amount of funding that will help provide needed safety improvements to better serve the state and regional asset of RST,” Corcoran said.

Elected officials noted the importance of RST improvements to our area. “Rochester International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Olmsted County and beyond,” said U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.”

Added U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN): “Small and regional airports like the Rochester International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards constructing runways and services to ensure it is safe and functional for travelers.”