Commission updates plans for large transient hangar and summer construction projects
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Summary
Staff reported design is underway for a 138×100‑foot transient hangar with a hydraulic lift door, noted state support for heating/insulation (30% local match), and reviewed timelines for gates, beacon replacement and the final runway phase.
The International Falls Koochiching County Airport Commission heard progress reports March 25 on multiple capital projects, including a large transient hangar, two security gates, beacon replacement and the next phase of runway work.
Chelsea (airport staff) said design work is under way for a new transient hangar—about 138 by 100 feet—with a hydraulic lift door. Chelsea told commissioners the IIJA federal grant will not fund interior items such as in‑floor heating, insulation and a bathroom; MnDOT/state funding is available for those elements but would cover roughly 70 percent, leaving an estimated 30 percent local match. "Having a building of that size up here without heat and insulation is is insane," Chelsea said.
Sean (airport staff) updated the commission on other projects: a 90% review for two vertical hydraulic lift gates at Crescent Drive and the FBO entrance (IFB planned in April, construction this summer), beacon replacement design to update the foundation and pole, and SEH’s design work on the final 900 feet of the runway with FAA coordination. Sean said FAA staff indicated the runway work may not require a reimbursable agreement for FAA equipment oversight, potentially saving the airport a previously typical $100,000–$200,000 expense.
Staff said bids and final cost estimates will follow the next design milestones; Chelsea will compile state‑grant estimate materials so the commission can determine the precise local match once bids arrive.
