Aitkin Municipal Airport reopens runway 16/34 following major reconstruction project

Aitkin Independent Age

The city of Aitkin and Aitkin County have announced the successful completion of the Runway 16/34 Reconstruction and Taxiway Turnaround Construction Project at
the Aitkin Municipal Airport.

Following a construction closure that began on May 18, pilots can once again utilize a fully reconstruction runway 16/34 along with two new lighted taxiway turnarounds
designed to improve safety and operational efficiency. The project represents a significant investment in the airport’s future and the culmination of more
than four years of planning, coordination, funding development, design and construction. Runway 16/34 had reached the end of its useful life and required reconstruction
to continue providing safe and reliable service to airport users and the surrounding region.

From the earliest planning efforts through project completion, the Aitkin Airport Commission, City of Aitkin, and Aitkin County worked toward preserving the airport’s
existing 4,000-foot runway and maintaining the airport’s ability to serve local businesses, residents, visitors and emergency services. Despite funding
challenges that threatened the feasibility of the project, local leaders sought solutions that would meet the airport’s long-term needs without reducing the
scope of the improvement.

The project cost was ultimately funded through a combination of federal, state and regional investments. The Airport Commission, city and county staff and project partners
secured funding through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), MnDOT Aeronautics and the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), allowing the
project to be completed with no local financial burden to the airport.

In addition to reconstructing the full runway, the project included the construction of lighted taxiway turnarounds at both ends of runway 16/34 and improvements to airport
lighting infrastructure. Throughout construction, project partners worked to minimize impacts to airport users and maintain airport operations whenever possible.
The project provides a renewed airfield that will serve the community for decades to come. The improvements enhance airfield safety, improve operational reliability, support
economic activity throughout the region and strengthen the airport’s role as an important transportation asset for Aitkin County and the surrounding  area.

The Aitkin Municipal Airport conveyed gratitude to the FAA, MnDOT Aeronautics, IRRRB, Airport Engineer Nick Graham of Bolton & Menk,
Aitkin Airport Commission Chair and District 1 Aitkin County Commissioner, J. Mark Wedel, Aitkin County Engineer John Welle, Aitkin City Council Member Justin Cartie, Airport
Commission Members Wallace Frelander and Mike Arnold, the project contractors and all other stakeholders.