Advancing Airspace: Mankato ATCT Study

Challenge

Mankato Regional Airport (MKT), the second busiest airport in Minnesota with more than 120,000 annual takeoffs and landings, owes much of its growth to the expanding flight training program at Minnesota State University Mankato. With heavy use from students, corporate travelers, and general aviation, the airport needed a dedicated Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) to enhance safety and manage traffic effectively. To remain eligible for the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program, the City of Mankato had to complete planning, environmental review, and site selection on an accelerated timeline, with construction required by April 2027.

Solution

In partnership with TKDA, SEH led a detailed site selection process in compliance with FAA Order 6480.4B. Fifteen locations were evaluated based on operational visibility, airspace protection, potential impacts on communication and surveillance systems, and overall feasibility for construction. The preferred site was chosen not only for its technical compatibility but also for long-term cost efficiency and alignment with the airport’s operational goals. The study results were submitted to the FAA’s Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory (AFTIL), a critical step toward federal approval.

SEH also led a Focused Environmental Assessment (EA), which evaluates potential environmental impacts of the selected site, and is expected to be complete in spring 2025.

Project Funding and Alignment with National Priorities

The project secured a total of more than $1.45 million in funding, including FAA Airport Improvement Program entitlements, support from the State of Minnesota, and a significant award through the FAA’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Contract Tower Grant Program. These funds support site development, planning, and future construction, positioning MKT to meet national goals for aviation infrastructure modernization.

Supporting Aviation Education and Regional Growth

The ATCT will directly support Minnesota State University’s expanding Professional Flight program, which enrolls around 170 new students each year and graduates approximately 80 pilots annually. The program addresses a national pilot shortage by enabling graduates to qualify for restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates with fewer flight hours and accelerates career placement. A new tower ensures these operations are conducted in a safe, professionally managed airspace environment.

With a hard deadline in place, the City and its project partners are advancing each phase of work quickly and strategically. Early planning, proactive FAA coordination, and community engagement are keeping the project on schedule to deliver a fully functional ATCT by 2027 – one that supports the airport’s evolving role as a regional aviation hub.

Awards

• 2025 Planning, Environmental, Strategic Initiative Award | Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA)