Duluth Airport to Receive Federal Boost for $72 Million Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement

Duluth, MN – The Duluth International Airport (DLH) is set to receive significant federal funding as part of a nationwide initiative to modernize air traffic control infrastructure, addressing the aging Korean War-era tower, one of the oldest operational facilities in the United States. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) recently toured the outdated facility, highlighting the critical need for a state-of-the-art replacement.

Secretary Duffy announced that the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a federal infrastructure package, has allocated $12.5 billion as a down payment for overhauling the country’s air traffic control systems. During his visit, Duffy emphasized the urgency of upgrading facilities like Duluth's, stating, "America deserves the best and most advanced technology for its citizens when they travel!" The Duluth project is estimated to cost $72 million.

The current tower, built in the 1950s, has been described by Secretary Duffy as running on "outdated" and "antiquated" equipment. Representative Stauber, who accompanied Duffy, echoed these concerns, noting, "The control tower is going to be a hundred and some feet higher. The sightlines are going to be better." The new tower aims to enhance safety and efficiency for the growing air traffic at DLH, which has seen a 10% uptick in traffic over the last year.

While federal funds provide a substantial portion, the project relies on a mix of funding sources. The Minnesota Legislature has already approved a $10 million allocation, bringing the secured funding to approximately $34 million, with a remaining gap of around $38 million. Duluth Airport Authority Executive Director Tom Werner affirmed the airport's commitment to modernization, stating, "A modern facility is essential to maintaining safe and efficient operations."

The modernization efforts extend beyond physical infrastructure to address a nationwide shortage of approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers. Secretary Duffy outlined measures to boost staffing, including offering cash bonuses to controllers nearing retirement and fast-tracking high-scoring academy applicants. The Duluth project is deemed "shovel-ready," with construction estimated to take about two years once full funding is secured.