Runway Improvements

Project overview
Runway 2/20 has reached the end of its useful life and requires reconstruction. Uninterrupted air access is necessary for the critical users of Rochester International Airport (RST). Air ambulance operations, cargo carriers transporting medical supplies and patient travelers rely on RST remaining open 24/7. Construction is underway on a multi-year project to reconstruct and improve the airfield.
Read the press release: RST breaks ground on $79.2M Runway Improvements Project
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will hold in-person and remote access public meetings on the application of BP Midwest Product Pipelines Holdings LLC (BPMW) for a Route Permit for their proposed Rochester Airport Pipeline Relocation Project (Project). View the Meeting Notice Here.
In Person Meeting:
Date: Monday, June 27, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Rochester Event Center 7333 Airport View Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Link to venue website: https://rochestereventcenter.com/
Remote-Access Meeting:
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m.
WebEx Link: https://minnesota.webex.com
WebEx (Meeting) Number: 2495 240 7195
WebEx Password: MNPUC
Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330 United States Toll Free Access Code: 2495 240 7195
If you are joining the meeting by WebEx and would like to ask a question or make a comment during the designated portion of the meeting, use the chat function to send a message to the meeting moderator. If you are joining the meeting by phone, press *3 on your phone. When it is your turn to speak, your line will be unmuted, and you will be able to ask questions and provide comments.
Additional information and instructions are available at: https://mn.gov/puc/activities/meetings/webex/
Project Funding
RST gratefully received financial support from a combination of federal, state and local agencies to fund this project.
Federal Aviation Administration $ 62.8 million
State of Minnesota $ 11.4 million
City of Rochester $ 5.0 million
TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 79.2 million
Project components
Reconstruction and improvements to Runway 2/20 and associated taxiways
Instrument approach improvements
Reconstruction of runway intersection
Environmental analysis and site mitigation
Land acquisition and utility and road relocation
Specifically the project will include:
- A 1,647-foot extension to Runway 2/20 and Taxiway B resulting in ultimate 8,354-foot runway
- New 40-inch pavement section (sand, gravel, pavement)
- 12,000-pound concrete breaker used for the project
- 275,000 square yards of pavement removed and recycled
- 7 million cubic yards of material excavated
- 8 miles of underdrain tile to improve drainage
- 13 miles of underground electrical cable and conduit
- 500 new LED runway and taxiway lights
Environmental Assessment
RST completed an environmental review process for these proposed airfield improvements and received environmental clearance for the project from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Final Environmental Assessment documents and the FAA’s Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision are available on the EA webpage.