The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has announced that the city of Rochester has been awarded a $250,000 Airport Infrastructure Renewal grant (AIR Grant), which provides grants to counties, airport authorities, or cities to keep or enhance jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or expand or create new economic development.

Rochester’s grant will be used to construct a 12,000 square foot hangar that will be leased to Great Planes Aviation (GPA). GPA provides aviation maintenance technology services for aircraft. The expansion will allow them to be an FAA-certified 145 repair station and service Cirrus, Gulfstream, Bombardier, and other jet aircraft. 

“This is fantastic news for the city of Rochester and our entire region,” said Senate Tax Committee Chairwoman Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). “The Rochester International Airport is one of the best regional airports in Minnesota, if not the country. This grant will strengthen our local workforce and provide a great jolt to our regional economy. I am excited to see what the future holds!”

The total cost of the hangar project is $2 million. In addition to the AIR Grant, Great Plains Aviation will invest $500,000 in equipment, and the city of Rochester will invest the remaining $1.75 million.

Great Plains Aviation employs 10 workers, with plans to expand to 32.