Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Aitkin Airport Runway Reconstruction Project in Year End Budget

The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bill that passed the Senate Appropriations Committee includes a $367,000 project to reconstruct the Aitkin Airport runway. The airport's runway is in need of repair and expansion to ensure Aitkin can continue serving regional aircraft. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill.

"Aitkin Airport needs to reconstruct its runway to improve access to regional air travel. With this federal grant, the airport will be able to build the new runway to continue serving travelers," said Klobuchar.

"Aitkin Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses," said Smith. "Small and regional airports like the Aitkin Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding would go directly towards repaving the runway to ensure it remains safe and functional."

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called "Congressionally Directed Spending" (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state.

The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months.

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