Duluth International Airport Receives $10 Million Grant to Replace Air Traffic Control Tower

Construction will begin in 2025 and DLH says there will be no major impact on travelers

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport is set to receive a $10 million dollar federal grant to relocate the air traffic control tower.

The current tower is one of the oldest in the country. It was commissioned in 1963 and while it has had updates since then, the tower does not meet current FAA guidelines.

Duluth Airport Executive Director Tom Werner said he has been working for the past ten years to get funding for the relocation project and his work isn’t over yet.

“It certainly is in some ways very rewarding, but it isn’t the end point for us,” Werner said. “I mean, this is just the beginning. We’re going to be actively advocating for our project not only in Washington D.C. but in St. Paul so that we can secure the remainder of the funding and ultimately finish this project.”

The new tower will stand approximately 100 feet taller than the current one, improving both air and ground sightlines. The airport is aiming to start construction in the summer of 2025.

Apart from a new building dominating the skyline, Werner says travelers should expect much of the same when flying in and out of Duluth.