Rochester International Airport receives $250,000 grant

(ABC 6 News) -The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced the Airport Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) grant to the City of Rochester.

Rochester’s $250,000 grant will go toward constructing a 12,000 square foot hangar that will be leased to Great Planes Aviation (GPA). GPA provides aviation maintenanceRochester International Airport technology services for aircraft. The expansion will allow them to be an FAA certified 145 repair station and service Cirrus, Gulfstream, Bombardier and other jet aircraft. GPA currently employs 10 full-time employees (FTE) and plans to expand to 32 FTEs.

GPA will be investing $500,000 in equipment. The total cost of the hanger is $2 million. The city of Rochester will be providing the remaining $1.75 million.

The Airport Infrastructure Renewal grant program is created to provide grants to counties, airport authorities, or cities to keep or enhance jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or expand or create new economic development. DEED is currently accepting applications for the Airport Infrastructure Renewal grant program.