Klobuchar, Franken, Nolan Announce Nearly $3 Million to Improve Infrastructure at Cook County-Grand Marais Airport

Press Release

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representative Rick Nolan, today announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the Cook County-Grand Marais Airport $2.9 million to extend its runway.

"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," Klobuchar said. "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."

"By investing in the Cook County Airport in Grand Marais, we're spurring economic development in the Arrowhead region and bolstering our regional transportation network," Franken said. "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."

"This grant is tremendous news for Grand Marais and Cook County--especially as we head into the summer tourism season," said Nolan, a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee. "Eighth District is a $1.4 billion industry that supports some 28,000 jobs, and Grand Marais/Cook County 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 more good paying jobs moving forward."

Klobuchar sent a letter to the DOT highlighting the need for an extended runway at the airport and the positive impact that this investment would have on the Grand Marais community and northern Minnesota.

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