The Free Press
MANKATO — Preliminary designs and other details of a planned air traffic control tower at the Mankato Regional Airport will be presented at an open house from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday at the airport.
The open house will feature discussions on tower design, draft plans and the environmental assessment. Guided walking tours, if weather permits, will allow attendees to get a closer look at the current airport site and the future plans for the facility.
Mankato Regional is the busiest airport in Minnesota without a control tower and the third busiest overall, based on the total number of operations — defined as a takeoff or landing — occurring there. The tally of operations at the Mankato airport has increased substantially because of the growth in the number of student pilots using the facility while enrolled in Minnesota State University’s fast-growing aviation program.
“The airport has received approval for the control tower as part of the FAA Federal Contract Tower Program,” according to city officials. “Due to significant growth in air traffic from business, personal, and flight training activities, the new control tower will enhance safety and operational efficiency. The current congestion that’s occurring without a tower present has raised safety concerns … .”
If federal funding uncertainties are ironed out, the tower could be under construction by early 2026 and certified for operation two years from now. The total cost of the project is estimated to top $20 million with the Federal Aviation Administration covering more than 90% of the design and construction expense, along with 100% of the ongoing payroll costs of air traffic controllers who would work in Mankato.
Shawn Schloesser, associate director-transportation planning services in Mankato’s Community Development Department, said the open house is intended for the general public — not just airport users and aviation buffs — and encourages anyone interested to attend.
Additional information can be found at mankatomn.gov/airport.