New Karlstad Airport Is Fully Funded

Karlstad is getting a new airport. The most recent Minnesota state transportation budget signed by Gov. Tim Walz includes grants totaling $5.6 million for the city of Karlstad to relocate and build a new public airport.

The city estimates a new airport could help create as many as 100 direct new jobs and 150 additional indirect jobs in the next five years.

“Karlstad’s community and businesses will really benefit from a new airport,” said Al Lundeen, chairman of the Karlstad airport board. “We’re excited about the increased job opportunities, economic development, and overall growth this will bring to the area.”

Karlstad has been pursuing a new airport for more than five years, working with Bollig Engineering since 2017 to perform

feasibility and site selection studies.

The new airport will solve problems facing the current one, such as a short runway, frequent water issues, and powerline obstructions – all of which often sent patrons to other airports in the region.

“The existing airport has several limitations for business use and growth, and it doesn’t support emergency medical services or firefighting either,” said Angela Holm, head of the aviation division at Bollig Engineering. “This new airport is important on multiple levels as it brings new jobs and increased recreational and economic activity.”

With the preliminary studies completed last year, local Karlstad officials, Sen. Mark Johnson, Rep. John Burkel, and Bollig Engineering funding consultants set to work getting the project included in the upcoming state budget.

“We’re really proud of the group effort our local leaders, state lawmakers, and the Bollig team put into making this project a reality,” Lundeen said. “This project is part of a bright future for Karlstad and we’re grateful it’s moving forward.”

Planning, land acquisition, environmental and permitting will begin immediately, with construction beginning soon thereafter.