The time had come to replace the old terminal building that had been built in 1981 at the Fillmore County Airport (FKA). On May 10, many who had partnered together, to get rid of the old and build the new, gathered to celebrate the completion of the new terminal building.
The Fillmore County Airport Master Plan approved in 2020 found the terminal building to be inadequate for existing and future needs. The financial ability to build an adequate arrival/departure building was considerably fast forwarded with the award of a large federal grant.
Six-hundred fifty applications were received for the highly competitive FAA Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant which was part of the bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was signed into law in November 2021. Total requests for funding were about $14 billion, but only about $1 billion was available. Eighty-five airports were selected in the country, four of those in Minnesota.
FKA was one of nine airports of a comparable size selected. The federal funding from this grant awarded to FKA in July 2022 in the amount of $950,000 allowed the construction of a new 450-square-foot terminal building. Additional FAA project funding from the Airport Infrastructure Grant was also received. Collaboratively with MnDOT Aeronautics, the FKA was able to acquire over $129,000 in state revenue. There was a total of about $1.35 million in state and federal funds used for construction of the building and parking lot. The county’s local share was merely $43,798 compared to the originally projected amount of $170,000.
Fillmore County consulted SEH to ensure the building would have required upgrades and maximize space to serve the long-term needs of the airport. It took three months to design the building and nine months for construction.
Fillmore County airport manager Pam Schroeder said, “The final layout of the terminal building was 93.1% eligible for federal funding.” This was achieved with the collaboration of the FAA, Fillmore County, and SEH. Schroeder noted this percentage has “never” been achieved before. The eligible share is normally 60-80%.
Construction began on the project in May 2023 and was completed in January 2024.
The construction of the Fillmore County Airport terminal building received an award from the Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA). It was recognized as the 2023 Project of the Year (intermediate large general aviation airport). Consultant SEH and contractor Wieser Brothers General Contractor, Inc. were noted on the award.
Schroeder explained general aviation has been increasing over the years. The new building will allow pilots and visitors a place to shelter and rest. The FKA provides a transportation link to local communities; with the new terminal building, local and area businesses can be better served. The building is ADA compliant and includes a waiting room, restrooms, a covered patio, and a pilot briefing room.
Many upgrades have been made to the FKA since 2007 including runway lighting and NAVAIDS (aid to navigation) and a 24/7 use fuel system installed in 2013.
Schroeder thanked all those who partnered with them to get the necessary funding, including those who worked on the project.
Gerald Boyum says
Four miles west of Preston according to I-Net information.
Mary J Bergin says
Where in Fillmore County is this airport located?