New Duluth terminal will be named after Oberstar

The Duluth International Airport (DLH) and the Range Regional Airport (HIB) in consultation with the late congressman’s family, regional leaders, and Duluth Mayor Don Ness, are honored to announce that the DLH passenger terminal will be named in memory of the late U.S. Representative James. L. Oberstar.

This decision was made to honor Congressman Oberstar for his lasting legacy in the transportation industry throughout the course of his long legislative career and the key role that he played in the completion of the new DLH terminal project. Representative Oberstar’s hometown airport, the Range Regional Airport, will also be honoring the great work and accomplishments of the late Representative Oberstar with a display in the new passenger terminal. Those details will be released upon completion of their new terminal project.

"Congressman Oberstar worked tirelessly to improve the transportation infrastructure throughout our country. His goal was to improve the safety for everyone who used our highways, railroads, seaports and airports. He was very proud of his work in these critical areas and was particularly mindful of the projects in the 8th Congressional District. It is fitting that the Duluth International Airport Terminal be named in his honor.” said Peter Makowski, former Staff Assistant for Congressman Oberstar.

As the Chair of the Department of Transportation, Congressman Oberstar played a pivotal role in the funding of the 70 million dollar DLH passenger terminal project. “Congressman Oberstar was a champion of aviation in our region. It’s through his leadership and vision that we have such a vibrant aviation sector at the Duluth International Airport today.” said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority.

Shaun Germolus, Executive Director of the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority Range Regional Airport (HIB), said, “Congressman Oberstar was passionate about aviation and very instrumental in crafting legislation that influenced many aspects of the aviation industry we experience today. His desire to promote Minnesota aviation and provide first class facilities at the airports in the 8th Congressional District was evident by his continuing efforts to secure Federal funding assistance. Duluth’s Airport Terminal Project is a great testament to his direct involvement securing adequate funding to ensure a large project’s success.”

Natalie Peterson, Director of Communications & Marketing at the Duluth International Airport added that a steering committee comprised of DAA employees and board members, the Oberstar family, the Mayor’s office and area leaders is working collaboratively to determine the location, look, funding and timing for the naming project. The unveiling will take place in 2015.

“Jim was so proud of this beautiful new terminal and how it symbolized the vibrancy of the aviation sector in Duluth. Jim was passionate about creating a strong aviation sector in Duluth and he played a key role in bringing hundreds of aviation jobs to our region. I’m so pleased that he will be honored in this way. My only regret is that he could not be with us for the celebration,” said City of Duluth Mayor Don Ness

The terminal naming project will require private donations for funding. If you would like to help honor Congressman Oberstar, please consider mailing a tax-deductible donation in his honor to help pay for the naming project to the Monaco Air Foundation, 4535 Airport Approach Road, Duluth, MN 55811.