Cook County News Herald

Cook County-Grand Marais Airport receives nearly $3 million grant




Cook County received some good news May 19 when a congressional delegation announced it had secured $2.9 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to extend the Cook County-Grand Marais Airport runway.

The money will be put towards the county’s $5 million project that will lengthen the runway from 4,200 feet to 5,000 feet.

The news came from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and Representative Rick Nolan who worked together to lobby successfully for the money.

“This grant is tremendous news for Grand Marais and Cook County, especially as we head into the summer tourism season,” said Nolan, who is a member of the House Aviation subcommittee. “Eighth District tourism is a $1.4 billion industry that supports some 28,000 jobs, and Cook County-Grand Marais airport plays such an essential role in bringing people up north and supporting our hospitality industry throughout the region. These runway improvements will help spur growth and create good paying jobs moving forward.”

Senator Klobuchar said, “The Grand Marais community relies on its airport for travel and emergency services, but many carriers hesitate or even refuse to use the airport due to its small, potentially dangerous runway. I helped ensure that the Department of Transportation understood the critical need to expand the airport’s runway, and I’m glad this project will improve the community’s ability to fight fires, boost tourism, and generate economic growth across northern Minnesota.”

Senator Franken added, “Extending the runway will improve airport safety, help create jobs, and go a long way towards making sure that Minnesota’s aviation infrastructure is world class.”

Cook County Chamber of Commerce and Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority member Hal Greenwood said he would like to thank all of the chamber members and county staff, especially Cook County-Grand Marais Airport Director Rod Roy and Representative David Dill, “who did an outstanding job of working with and preparing the documents for the Federal Aviation Administration.” Greenwood also thanked Jeff Hemiel, executive director of the Metropolitan Airport Commission for his help in getting the grant for Cook County.

“This is great news for the county and its residents,” said Jim Boyd, executive director of the Cook County Chamber. “A longer runway is a critical component to building a stronger county economy. Plus, it will enhance the ability to respond to health care emergencies and wild fires. A 5,000-foot runway, which is what this project will achieve, is the minimum needed for use by many types of vital aircraft.”

Boyd added, “Hal Greenwood, a chamber board member, maintains very close relationships with members of our congressional delegation. Hal has worked hard with Rep. Nolan and Sen. Klobuchar to win approval of this funding in a very competitive grant environment.”

Greenwood, who often lobbies (unpaid) on many political projects for the county, was the former chairman of the Metropolitan Airport Commission under former Governor Rudy Perpich, serving in that position from 1985-1990.



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