Advancing Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system
The investments supported by Minnesota’s aviation grants align with MnDOT’s Strategic Plan and the Minnesota State Aviation System Plan. They help strengthen a safe, sustainable statewide airport system that serves Minnesotans through: safety, equity and community vitality; climate action; transportation options and integration; and asset management.
BlackCat data/grant management tool
We recently launched a new data/grant management tool called BlackCat. This new system will allow us to host most of our working documents in one location while also offering our partners (FAA, airports and consultants) access to the information we are showing for your airport facility.
- Access BlackCat
- Register for BlackCat - Each user will need to register separately to access the system.
2027 Capital Grant solicitation
MnDOT Aeronautics is requesting applications for the SFY 2027 Airport Capital Grant Program. Qualified applicants must submit a separate application for each project to ensure it is scored and considered for potential funding. Funding is provided through the State Airports Fund and is used annually to support eligible projects at Minnesota’s 132 publicly funded airports.
The MnDOT Aeronautics Airport Capital Grant Program provides state investment in critical airport infrastructure by funding capital improvement projects that enhance safety, preserve essential assets, and improve the overall quality and reliability of air transportation services for the traveling public across Minnesota. Eligible project elements can be found in the Funding Eligibility Guidance. Examples include:
- Planning
- Design
- Land acquisition
- Paving of runways, aprons, and taxi lanes
- Lighting and navigational aids
- Obstruction removal
- Fencing and noise mitigation
- Other safety and operational needs
These examples serve as a reference only - inclusion does not guarantee funding:
- State goals and priorities: The State of Minnesota prioritizes projects that maintain and improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the statewide airport system. Funding decisions support systemwide asset management, preservation of critical aviation infrastructure, and strategic investments that strengthen Minnesota’s transportation network.
- Serving diverse populations: This grant program helps ensure equitable access to safe and reliable air transportation by supporting airports that serve diverse communities across Minnesota. Projects funded through this program enhance mobility for residents of all backgrounds, including rural communities, tribal nations, business travelers, medical transport users, and visitors.
Applications must include complete information:
- Justification
- Accurate cost estimates
- Supporting documentation.
- A completed cost split
Incomplete applications will not be scored. Funding participation will follow the State Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Rates Letter.
- April 13, 2026: We open the application portal in BlackCat Aviation.
- May 16, 2026: Applications are due to MnDOT via BlackCat Aviation.
- June 2026: We post awarded projects and issues grant offer letters.
To be eligible for state grants-in-aid, airports must meet four criteria under Minnesota Statute, Chapter 360:
- Owned by a Minnesota municipality (cities, counties, townships, or airport authorities)
- Licensed for public use
- Included in the State Airport System
- Zoned or in the process of zoning
Multi-organization applications for this solicitation are not allowed currently.
You'll submit applications through BlackCat Aviation, MnDOT’s new grant management platform. Directions for adding projects to your CIP and submitting applications are in BlackCat’s Global Documents section.
Complete the web-based application in BlackCat Aviation. You'll need a user account to access BlackCat, and you can find the link in the BlackCat data/grant management tool section on this page.
You'll receive confirmation and you can track your application status within the system after submission.
Evaluation and scoring
We evaluate and score applications with the Prioritization Model. The Prioritization Model scores projects based on statewide system needs, safety impact, project readiness, cost-effectiveness, and consistency with statewide aviation priorities. Applications will be reviewed and scored by the Aeronautics Development Section, with technical input from subject-matter experts from the Planning and Nav-Aids section as needed for lighting, navigational aid, and planning projects . AWOS and ILS projects are excluded from this year’s program.
The Airport Data Portal is where all MnSASP objectives that are used to score specific aspects of the sponsor are located. Please make sure to review those before the end of the deadline.
Eligible capital grants will be awarded to the highest-scoring projects until all available funds are allocated . The total amount of funding available for this solicitation will be determined later.
Funding awards will be based on the project costs submitted in the Capital Grant Solicitation application, and grants will be issued for that amount. If actual project costs exceed the awarded amount, applicants must follow the amendment process outlined in the FY2027 Funding Rates Letter, including submitting an amendment request for projects that are eligible.
Applications to this grant solicitation will be public information under the Minnesota Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Per Minn. Stat. § 13.599:
- Names and addresses of grant applicants will be public data once proposal responses are opened.
- All remaining data in proposal responses (except trade secret data as defined and classified in §13.37) will be public data after the evaluation process is completed (for the purposes of this grant, when all grant agreements have been fully executed).
- All data created or maintained by MnDOT as part of the evaluation process (except trade secret data as defined and classified in § 13.37) will be public data after the evaluation process is completed (for the purposes of this grant, when all grant agreements have been fully executed).
If project is awarded, grant recipient will be required to maintain appropriate programmatic and financial records. Recipients will be required to submit progress reports and Reimbursement Requests including all invoices and other supporting documentation of project expenses in a timely manner. Sponsors that do not submit required reporting on time are subject to payment withholding until the reporting requirements are fulfilled.
Upon request, the Sponsor must allow authorized representatives from MnDOT Office of Aeronautics to examine documents and records associated with the grant.
- Local matching rates will follow the FY2027 Funding Rates Letter (PDF) and FY2027 Funding Rates Addendum (PDF)
- Contacts
- Funding eligibility guidance (PDF)
- Prioritization model
2026 Airport Grant awards
We're excited to announce the 2026 Airport Grant awards, which include capital improvement, planning, and fuel infrastructure projects. These investments support the continued safety, sustainability and accessibility of Minnesota’s local public airport system. These projects are funded with a combination of state airport funds and state general funds approved by the Minnesota Legislature.
This year, we selected 30 local airports throughout Minnesota to receive $6.4 million for capital improvement projects. This grant funds critical upgrades including pavement maintenance, obstruction removal, fencing, lighting, hangar repairs, and other facility improvements that enhance airport operations and user safety.
| Facility Name | FAA ID | Project Title | Total Score | Total Cost | State Funds | Local Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | CBG | Crack Seal Airfield Pavements | 75 | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Ada | D00 | Crack Sealing | 75 | $35,000 | $31,500 | $3,500 |
| Baudette | BDE | Runway 12/30 Obstruction Removal | 75 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | Taxiway A Crack Repair | 73 | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Clarissa | 8Y5 | Pilot Facility and Runway Improvements | 70 | $124,000 | $111,600 | $12,400 |
| Sleepy Eye | Y58 | Runway 14/32 Turf Rehabilitation | 70 | $85,000 | $76,500 | $8,500 |
| Eveleth | EVM | GA Apron Repair | 69 | $30,000 | $21,000 | $9,000 |
| Herman | 06Y | Wind Cone Replacement | 67 | $22,000 | $19,800 | $2,200 |
| Henning | 05Y | Turf Improvements and Obstruction Removal | 65 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Red Wing | RGK | Crack Seal - Primary Runway and Taxiway | 65 | $145,000 | $101,500 | $43,500 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | South Hangar Taxilanes Rehabilitation (Mill & Overlay) | 65 | $200,000 | $140,000 | $60,000 |
| Brooten | 6D1 | 2"" Mill and Overlay Apron and Runway - Design/Bidding | 65 | $157,000 | $141,300 | $15,700 |
| Granite Falls | GDB | Runway 15/33 Lighting System Upgrade to LED | 62 | $750,000 | $675,000 | $75,000 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | Ramp Lighting LED Upgrade | 62 | $15,000 | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Caledonia | CHU | Terminal Area Security Fence and Gate | 62 | $30,000 | $21,000 | $9,000 |
| Cambridge | CBG | 2025 Perimeter Fence Repair | 62 | $75,000 | $52,500 | $22,500 |
| Morris | MOX | Terminal Area Security Fence and Gate | 62 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Fertile | D14 | Airfield Pavement Maintenance | 60 | $125,000 | $112,500 | $12,500 |
| Northome | 43Y | Disk & Level Runway | 60 | $25,000 | $22,500 | $2,500 |
| Red Lake Falls | D81 | Crack Seal | 60 | $20,000 | $18,000 | $2,000 |
| Brainerd | BRD | Crack Sealing | 60 | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Bagley | 7Y4 | Runway Rehab Cost Analysis | 60 | $37,500 | $31,500 | $3,500 |
| Remer | 52Y | ALP, CZAP, Pack and Roll Runway, Emergency Phone Box | 60 | $125,500 | $112,950 | $12,550 |
| Winsted | 10D | Runway Topsoil & Seeding | 60 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Duluth International | DLH | Airside Pavement Maintenance | 58 | $150,000 | $105,000 | $45,000 |
| Hill City | 07Y | Security Fence - Phase 1 | 57 | $260,000 | $234,000 | $26,000 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | T-Hangar #2 Siding and Roof Replacement | 56 | $150,000 | $90,000 | $60,000 |
| Buffalo | CFE | T-Hangar Door Replacements - (2) | 56 | $60,000 | $36,000 | $24,000 |
| Morris | MOX | FBO Hangar Door Replacement | 56 | $175,000 | $105,000 | $70,000 |
| Lake Elmo | 21D | Runway 4-22 Reconstruction | 56 | $4,153,579 | $1,000,000 | $3,153,579 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | T-Hangar #1 Roof Replacement | 56 | $100,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| Fertile | D14 | Parcel 9 Land Acquisition | 55 | $75,000 | $67,500 | $7,500 |
| St Cloud | STC | Crack Seal | 55 | $25,000 | $17,500 | $7,500 |
| St Cloud | STC | Joint Sealing | 55 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Thief River Falls | TVF | Airfield Pavement Maintenance | 55 | $300,000 | $210,000 | $90,000 |
| Duluth International | DLH | Midfield Ramp Repair (Phase 4) | 54 | $1,000,000 | $700,000 | $300,000 |
| Waskish | VWU | Expand Turf Apron, Install tiedowns | 54 | $75,000 | $67,500 | $7,500 |
| Wells | 68Y | Apron Expansion - 240'x220' | 54 | $500,000 | $450,000 | $50,000 |
| Rochester | RST | Corporate Hangar Site Development | 54 | $4,496,110 | $1,000,000 | $3,496,110 |
| Northome | 43Y | Tiedown Installation | 52 | $15,000 | $13,500 | $1,500 |
| St James | JYG | Runway 15/33, Taxiway A, and Apron Pavement Maintenance (crack repair & seal coat) | 50 | $229,100 | $160,370 | $68,730 |
| Paynesville | PEX | Hangar Taxilanes Rehabilitation (Crack Repair) | 50 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Olivia | OVL | Taxilane Reconstruction | 50 | $75,000 | $67,500 | $7,500 |
| Willmar | BDH | Runway 13/31 Pavement Maintenance (Crack Repair & Patching) | 50 | $135,000 | $94,500 | $40,500 |
| Worthington | OTG | South Hangar Taxilanes Rehabilitation(Crack Repair and Seal Coat) | 50 | $200,000 | $140,000 | $60,000 |
| Forest Lake | 25D | Runway 13/31 Extension - 300 feet | 50 | $1,137,627 | $1,000,000 | $137,627 |
| Henning | 05Y | Pavement Improvements design/bid | 49 | $36,000 | $32,400 | $3,600 |
| Mahnomen | 3N8 | Entrance Road and Parking Lot Paving | 49 | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Hill City | 07Y | Parking Lot & Drainage Grading | 49 | $23,000 | $20,700 | $2,300 |
| Ada | D00 | Update A/D building with new flooring, sheetrock repair and update plumbing | 48 | $30,000 | $27,000 | $3,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | A/D Building Utilities | 48 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Forest Lake | 25D | Taxiway A Extension - 300 Feet | 48 | $338,774 | $304,897 | $33,877 |
| Hutchinson | HCD | Snow Removal Equipment Building (40'x40') | 46 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Milaca | 18Y | Reconstruct Taxilanes (Phase 3) | 45 | $355,000 | $319,500 | $35,500 |
| Luverne | LYV | 5-Unit T-Hangar Taxilane | 45 | $315,500 | $220,850 | $94,650 |
| Forest Lake | 25D | Apron Expansion - 200' x 80' | 44 | $300,000 | $270,000 | $30,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | Runway Lighting Improvements | 42 | $500,000 | $450,000 | $50,000 |
| Paynesville | PEX | Security Access Gate | 42 | $20,000 | $14,000 | $6,000 |
| Warren | D37 | Obstruction Removal | 42 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Albert Lea | AEL | SRE Building Door Replacement | 41 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Redwood Falls | RWF | Hangar Taxilanes Pavement Maintenance (Crack Repair and Seal Coat) | 40 | $150,000 | $105,000 | $45,000 |
| Brooten | 6D1 | Parking Lot Paving and Apron Fence design/bid | 39 | $24,000 | $21,600 | $2,400 |
| Benson | BBB | Terminal Building Septic System Rehabilitation | 38 | $125,000 | $87,500 | $37,500 |
| St James | JYG | Terminal Area Security Fence and Gate | 37 | $20,000 | $14,000 | $6,000 |
| Blue Earth | SBU | White Hangar Painting | 36 | $43,000 | $25,800 | $17,200 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | Construct SRE Equipment Building | 36 | $400,000 | $360,000 | $40,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | Hangar Site Prep | 36 | $75,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 |
| Backus | 7Y3 | Design - Taxilane Extension & Building Area Site Prep (North) | 35 | $40,000 | $36,000 | $4,000 |
| Olivia | OVL | Design - T-Hangar, Taxilanes, & Apron | 35 | $150,000 | $135,000 | $15,000 |
| St James | JYG | Terminal Building HVAC Replacement | 33 | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Fertile | D14 | A/D Building Design & Construction | 33 | $750,000 | $675,000 | $75,000 |
| Willmar | BDH | Terminal Building Water Well Pump Replacement | 33 | $25,000 | $17,500 | $7,500 |
| Bemidji | BJI | Terminal Building HVAC Replacement | 33 | $750,000 | $525,000 | $225,000 |
| Albert Lea | AEL | T-Hangar Door, Roof, and Lighting Upgrade | 31 | $100,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| St James | JYG | T-Hangar Rehabilitation (Painting) | 31 | $35,000 | $21,000 | $14,000 |
| Mahnomen | 3N8 | Airport Entrance Sign | 29 | $15,000 | $10,500 | $4,500 |
| Milaca | 18Y | Remodel A/D Building | 28 | $45,000 | $40,500 | $4,500 |
| Starbuck | D32 | Security Fence | 27 | $139,000 | $125,100 | $13,900 |
| Warren | D37 | Airport Maintenance Building design/bid | 26 | $160,000 | $144,000 | $16,000 |
| Owatonna | OWA | City Owned Maintenance Hangar #11 Roof Replacement | 26 | $560,000 | $336,000 | $224,000 |
| Owatonna | OWA | City Owned Dome Hangar Door Replacement | 26 | $60,000 | $36,000 | $24,000 |
| Redwood Falls | RWF | City Owned T-Hangar Door Replacement | 26 | $200,000 | $120,000 | $80,000 |
| Slayton | DVP | Part 77 Obstruction Lighting | 22 | $43,000 | $38,700 | $4,300 |
| Bemidji | BJI | FBO Building Modifications- Phase II | 21 | $125,000 | $87,500 | $37,500 |
| Fosston | FSE | Install Airport Security Cameras | 20 | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Willmar | BDH | Hangar Access Road Construction | 19 | $250,000 | $175,000 | $75,000 |
| Two Harbors | TWM | Snow Removal Equipment Building (40'x40') | 16 | $400,000 | $280,000 | $120,000 |
| Slayton | DVP | Hangar Door Rehabilitation | 16 | $282,000 | $169,200 | $112,800 |
| Winona | ONA | FBO Hangar Roof Repair | 16 | $100,000 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| Stephen | D41 | Public Apron with Fencing and Automobile Parking design/bid | 14 | $108,000 | $97,200 | $10,800 |
This year, we selected 26 local airports to receive $682,000 to support foundational work, including airport zoning ordinance updates, Clear Zone Acquisition Plans, Airport Layout Plan updates and stormwater planning. These efforts are essential for long-term safety, land-use compatibility, and project readiness.
| Facility Name | Ident | Project Title | Total Cost | State Funds | Local Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | CFE | Runway 18/36 Storm Water Modeling | $20,000 | $14,000 | $6,000 |
| Morris | MOX | Runway 14/32 Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Bagley | 7Y4 | Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Bowstring | 9Y0 | MnDOT Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Rochester | RST | Airport Zoning Update | $113,240 | $79,268 | $33,972 |
| Pine River | PWC | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Waskish | VWU | MnDOT Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Northome | 43Y | MnDOT Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| Fosston | FSE | Zoning Update | $50,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Fosston | FSE | Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Henning | 05Y | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $57,000 | $51,300 | $5,700 |
| Herman | 06Y | Airport Zoning + Attorney Allowance | $49,000 | $44,100 | $4,900 |
| Tracy | TKC | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $55,000 | $38,500 | $16,500 |
| Starbuck | D32 | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $9,000 | $1,000 |
| St James | JYG | Runway 15/33 Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Aitkin | AIT | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Brooten | 6D1 | ALP Sheet Updates and CZAP | $40,000 | $36,000 | $4,000 |
| Bemidji | BJI | Clear Zone Acquisition Plan | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Appleton | AQP | Airport Zoning and CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $55,000 | $49,500 | $5,500 |
| Worthington | OTG | Airport Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) | $7,500 | $5,250 | $2,250 |
| Blue Earth | SBU | Clear Zone Action Plan (CZAP) | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 |
| Warren | D37 | Airport Zoning + Attorney Allowance | $47,000 | $42,300 | $4,700 |
| Owatonna | OWA | Airport Zoning Ordinance Update | $35,000 | $24,500 | $10,500 |
| Slayton | DVP | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $53,000 | $47,700 | $5,300 |
| Tower | 12D | Airport Zoning Update | $59,000 | $41,300 | $17,700 |
| Maple Lake | MGG | 2024 MMG Taxilane H Amendment | $47,000 | $28,200 | $18,800 |
| Stephen | D41 | Airport Zoning, CZAP + Attorney Allowance | $57,000 | $51,300 | $5,700 |
This year, we selected 27 local Minnesota airports to receive $7.1 million for projects that will replace or upgrade fuel systems and equipment. Projects include fuel tank and dispenser replacements, fuel truck acquisitions, card reader and payment system upgrades, and major fueling infrastructure relocations. The improvements will ensure safe, reliable, and modern fueling capabilities across Minnesota’s local public airport system.
| Airport | Project title | Total project cost | State funding | Local funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ely | AVGAS Refueling Truck | $175,000 | $105,000 | $70,000 |
| New Ulm | Replace Aircraft Fuel System + civil site work/taxilane work | $1,811,000 | $1,267,700 | $543,300 |
| Moorhead | Moorhead Fuel Tank and Pumps | $575,000 | $345,000 | $172,500 |
| Tracy | Update Fuel System with EMV Chip Reader | $30,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 |
| Henning | EMV Fuel Card Reader and Pump Replacement | $70,000 | $42,000 | $28,000 |
| Glencoe | Fuel System & Tank Replacement | $500,000 | $300,000 | $200,000 |
| Blue Earth | Card Reader System & Fuel Monitor Replacement | $80,000 | $48,000 | $32,000 |
| Dodge Center | Dodge Center Card Reader | $15,318 | $9,190.80 | $6,127 |
| Herman | Fuel System Replacement with EMV Card Reader | $139,000 | $83,400 | $55,600 |
| Waseca | AvGas Fuel Dispenser Replacement and Tank Removal | $150,000 | $90,000 | $60,000 |
| Owatonna | Credit Card Reader Replacement | $30,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 |
| Brainerd | Fuel Monitoring System | $80,000 | $48,000 | $32,000 |
| Brainerd | Fuel Tank | $600,000 | $360,000 | $240,000 |
| Canby | Airport Fuel System Credit Card Reader Enhancement | $20,000 | $12,000 | $8,000 |
| Baudette | Seaplane Ramp Fueling System | $145,000 | $87,000 | $58,000 |
| Baudette | Fuel Farm and Fuel Truck Maintenance | $50,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| Warroad | Update Pay at Pump CC Reader | $28,950 | $17,370 | $11,580 |
| Eveleth | FUEL STATION UPGRADE | $21,714 | $13,028.40 | $6,514 |
| Rush City | Fuel System Cabinet and Card Reader Replacement | $50,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| Winona | Replace AvGAS and Jet-A Fuel Systems | $1,250,000 | $750,000 | $500,000 |
| Pipestone | 100LL and Jet A Fuel System Replacement | $1,000,000 | $600,000 | $400,000 |
| Marshall | Fueling Facility Relocation | $1,191,900 | $715,140 | $476,760 |
| Duluth International | Fuel Farm Relocation | $1,767,418 | $784,232 | $983,186 |
| Duluth Sky Harbor | Fuel Farm Relocation and Improvements | $453,956 | $272,374 | $181,582 |
| Litchfield | 100LL and Jet A Credit Card Reader Pump, and Hose Reel Upgrade | $100,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| Hutchinson | 100LL Credit Card Reader Upgrade | $35,000 | $21,000 | $10,500 |
| Morris | Jet A Fuel Truck | $120,000 | $72,000 | $48,000 |
| St Cloud | Jet A Fuel Storage Tank | $1,200,000 | $720,000 | $480,000 |
| Thief River Falls | Fuel Truck Acquisition | $291,000 | $174,600 | $116,400 |
Contact
For more information about our grant programs, contact Arika Johnson.