RST receives $9.2 million federal grant

Rochester, MN (September 1, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants today including $9.2 million awarded to Rochester International Airport (RST). The $9.2 million grant will be primarily used to initiate Phase 1 of construction on RST’s runway safety improvements.

“We are extremely grateful for this federal grant to support critical airport infrastructure projects,” said John Reed, RST’s executive director. “Reconstruction of Runway 2/20 will commence in spring 2021 resulting in new jobs in our community.”

RST’s runway safety improvements project is a multi-year, multi-phase project to replace Runway 2/20, which has reached the end of its useful life, and to improve associated airfield pavement and equipment. The total cost of the runway safety improvements is $79.2 million. Due to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, 2020 grants are being awarded at a 100 percent federal share. Future phases of the runway safety improvements project will require local and state funding matches.

“While we are excited to begin construction, it is important to remember the state bonding request of $11.4 million is still essential to completing this extensive runway project,” said John Reed.

Rochester International Airport

Rochester International Airport (RST) is owned by the City of Rochester and operated by the Rochester Airport Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mayo Clinic. The Rochester International Airport is served daily by United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which collectively offer flights to Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, and Minneapolis. RST provides air service to Southeast MN and border regions of Iowa and Wisconsin. Stay connected at FlyRST.com and on Facebook/RochesterAirport and Twitter @flyrst.

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Rochester International Airport Media contact:

Tiana O’Connor

[email protected]

507.361.3904