Communities throughout Greater Minnesota would be eligible for grants to spur economic development connected to local and regional airports in Greater Minnesota under a new proposal from Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault), the vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Senate File 2163 would establish Airport Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) Grant program and appropriate $1 million for an initial round of grants. Cities and counties could apply for the grants to cover 50% of the costs of economic development projects related to manufacturing, technology, warehousing and distribution, or research and development. Local sources will be required to match the grant contribution, and cities and counties must be able to show that proposed projects will provide an economic benefit to the local community and create or retain full-time jobs.

“When I was the mayor of Faribault, one thing I noticed is that local and regional airports are not being used to their full capabilities,” said Sen. Jasinski. “Greater Minnesota airports have so much untapped potential that can be used to create jobs and economic development. Over the last two years I have helped secure funding for a similar infrastructure development program called BDPI, which has been very successful. AIR Grants will take that successful model and use it stimulate economic activity at Minnesota’s local and regional airports.”