The city of Mankato, Minnesota, has unveiled final designs for a planned $25 million air traffic control tower at Mankato Regional Airport, advancing the project as it awaits federal funding.
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the city’s request to install the tower, which would serve one of the busiest non-towered airports in Minnesota.
The airport ranks second in the state for annual takeoffs and landings and supports more than 100 based aircraft. It also serves a growing number of Minnesota State University, Mankato aviation students who train at the facility each year.
Citing increased traffic and associated safety concerns, city officials developed plans for an eight-story control tower. The proposed facility would include a rooftop beacon, FAA offices and equipment, training and employee spaces, and supporting mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems. The project scope also includes utility work, communications infrastructure and secure perimeter fencing.
If federal funding is secured, construction could begin later this year, with completion and FAA operational certification anticipated within two years. The city has applied for federal support that could cover more than 90 percent of design and construction costs, as well as ongoing payroll for air traffic controllers.
Mankato Regional Airport is currently the busiest airport in the state without an air traffic control tower. The planned structure would provide visibility over the airport’s 6,600-foot primary runway, 4,000-foot crosswind runway, taxiways and apron areas.
Photo by Quynh Tran from Pexels
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