While the Grand Marais/Cook County airport runway is getting a multi-million-dollar improvement and extension from 4,200 feet to 5,000 feet, the airport terminal building has long needed a facelift, and now it will get it thanks to a grant from the federal government.
On Monday, July 25, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representative Rick Nolan, announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Grand Marais/Cook County Airport a grant of $118,755 for infrastructure improvements.
“Improvements to our infrastructure strengthen Minnesota’s economy by helping create good jobs and boosting business and travel,” Klobuchar said. “Cook County will benefit from today’s investment.”
“This grant will help spur economic development in Northeast Minnesota and bolster our regional transportation network,” Franken said.
Rod Roy, airport manager, not too long ago came before the Cook County commissioners and said funds were needed to improve lobby and office space at the terminal. Roy couldn’t be contacted for this story because the airport is closed until August 1 due to work being done on the runway.
“The Grand Marais/Cook County Airport plays a crucial role in our rural economy by providing transportation to business commuters and visitors alike,” Nolan said. “Maintaining safe and efficient airport operations with this grant will support good middle class jobs in the region, from construction, to business and tourism.”
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