Following Unprecedented Wildfires in Minnesota, Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Facility at Minneapolis-St. Paul International[...]

Grant will help airport meet federal safety requirements

WASHINGTON - Following a summer of unprecedented wildfires in Minnesota, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport more than $12 million for the construction of an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility.

"Investments in our airports serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state and country by boosting the tourism industry, creating jobs, and making it possible for people to travel to see family and friends," Klobuchar said. "After unprecedented wildfires in our state this summer, constructing a new aircraft rescue and fire fighting station is critical to supporting the airport's infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors."

"The Minneapolis-St. Paul airport is a key transportation hub and economic driver for our state," Smith said. "I'm glad the Department of Transportation is investing in projects like this that will support the airport's infrastructure and strengthen public safety and operations. I will continue working to direct federal dollars towards Minnesota infrastructure projects."

This funding will go towards the construction of a new fire station, which will help the MSP airport meet FAA safety requirements. This fire station marks phase one of a greater effort to build an Emergency Operations Center to house airport firefighting, police, and 911 dispatch departments.

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