The Duluth Sky Harbor airport was awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding for a runway realignment project, which is scheduled to finish by the end of the year.

The approximately $11.8-million project started when the Minnesota Department of Transportation found a Park Point forest was encroaching on the runway’s approach.

The airport then started an environmental analysis in 2010 to determine a solution for the old-growth forest, which was made up of red- and white-pine trees growing in the sand dunes. Construction began in 2017 to move the runway toward and partially into Superior Bay.

Construction started with building the perimeter berm — a raised bank of land — and removing around 8,600 cubic yards of material from the bay's bottom. Then, the berm was filled and loose stones were placed around the project's perimeter to mitigate erosion. Additional work was done to prepare the land for a new runway, as well as the addition of new lighting for the airport.

Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith both said in a news release that the funding will support the local economy.

“Duluth Sky Harbor is an important part of the city’s economy and we need to make sure it is safe for all who use it.” Smith said. “I’m glad the Department of Transportation is making this investment and look forward to following the construction of the runway.”

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