John Reed, Rochester International Airport
RST has reached another significant milestone on its airfield improvement journey, thanks to an allocation of $70 million in federal and state grant funding accepted by the City of Rochester in September.
The funds, awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), along with funding from airport reserves, will help complete two key projects: the final phase of the Runway Safety Improvement Project and the General Aviation (GA) Ramp Reconstruction.
This level of funding is rare—airports typically receive smaller annual allocations of around $10 – $15 million. Because RST’s planning and design work was already detailed and shovel-ready, the airport was uniquely positioned to apply for and secure this larger, multi-phase award.
“To secure funding for two phases and multiple years at once is exhilarating,” said John Reed, Executive Director of RST. “It puts us in a really good spot knowing our largest funding source is secure, and it allows us to keep momentum on projects that directly improve safety, efficiency and the experience for everyone who uses RST.”
Investing in Safety and the Future
The new grants will fund the construction for Phase 5 and Phase 6 of the Runway 3/21 (formerly 2/20) Project, marking the final phase of a multi-year effort to enhance safety and reliability for both commercial and general aviation users. This work includes:
- Reconstruction and extension of Runway 3 and Taxiway B to the south
- Removal of Taxiways E, F & G and reconstruction of a terminal area taxiway
- Reconstruction of the runway-runway and runway-taxiway intersections
- Reconstruction of Taxiways A and B in the vicinity of the runway intersection
Having this funding secured up front means the project can move forward without the usual annual approval steps, keeping construction on pace and costs in check.
Building on General Aviation Momentum
Part of the funding will also support the continued General Aviation Ramp Reconstruction Project, which expands on work already underway to modernize and expand space for corporate and private aircraft, air ambulance operations, and aviation training. The improved ramp will feature new pavement, upgraded drainage, energy-efficient lighting, and better flow for aircraft parking and movement.
