The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $20 million to support construction of a new air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport. The project has an estimated total cost of $66 million.
The existing tower, built in the 1950s, is one of the oldest active towers in the national system. The new facility will be about twice the height of the current structure and will provide improved airfield visibility for controllers.
The Federal Aviation Administration previously awarded $16.8 million for the project through the Airport Terminal Program. The latest funding increases total federal support to $37 million. The remaining project cost is expected to be covered through future federal, state, or local sources.
The funding will allow the airport to construct the tower in a single phase rather than two, reducing costs by eliminating phased work. The new tower will support commercial aviation, Air National Guard operations, and flight training activity at the airport.
The airport expects to issue construction bids this winter and begin work in spring 2026.