Runway Tenants Worried About Runway Reconstruction Project

Runway 927 has been in commission for 60 years, and engineers predict there’s only another five years of life left to operate safely.  But some businesses along the runway are worried the project will cause serious financial concerns. 

The airport received an FAA grant to pay most of the costs for a big runway repair project, which was an estimated $20 million.

Phase one would tackle the middle section of 927, which makes up 6,100 feet of the two-mile long runway.

Airport Authority board members believe it will take 60 days to make the repairs and there is an option of an accelerated repair.

The board is welcoming opinions from airport tenants, including AAR, which opposes the remodel because it would shut down the runway they rely on for their business.

“If Air Canada can’t fly their planes in, then I don’t have any work to do and that idles 400 employees,” said Mark Ketterer, V.P. of Operations at AAR.

“Have an honest dialogue with stake holders that will ultimately led to concurrence around a plan.” said Tom Werner, executive director at the Duluth Airport.

Monday, the board decided to reconvene on the issue in 20 days.