Fillmore County Airport Terminal and 8 Unit T-Hangar

Challenge

Located in Fillmore County, Minnesota, the Fillmore County Airport plays a growing role in general aviation, serving as a key reliever to Rochester International Airport. With rising air traffic, the need for updated facilities became apparent. In 2018, the County’s Master Plan projected that annual flight operations at the airport would increase from 6,200 to 8,100 by 2023, based on FAA forecasts and additional analysis. After a new T-hangar was built in 2022, the number of based aircraft also grew from 26 to 30. However, aging infrastructure threatened the airport’s potential.

The existing 450-square-foot terminal, built in 1981, had significant deficiencies, including asbestos and regulated waste materials, wastewater capacity issues, and ADA noncompliance. Limited space for pilots and visitors further diminished the user experience. Upgrading the terminal became essential to improve accessibility, safety, and efficiency. Meanwhile, demand for aircraft storage continued to outpace availability, highlighting the urgent need for additional hangar space. Addressing these challenges was crucial to supporting economic growth and ensuring the airport’s long-term viability. 

Solution

New Terminal Building

The new 1,200-square-foot terminal project began with a collaboration between SEH and Fillmore County to refine floor plans, ensuring Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) eligibility requirements were met and local costs were minimized.

The County’s proactive foresight and strong communication with the FAA positioned them well to secure funding. When the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law introduced the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), Fillmore County leveraged its Master Plan and stakeholder engagement to successfully secure competitive funding. This strategic approach led to several key funding achievements: 

• Fillmore County was one of just four Minnesota airports selected from more than 650 applicants nationwide requesting $14 billion in funds in the first year of ATP.
• The County secured additional support through the Airport Improvement Grant (AIG) program.
• A competitive match through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) further reduced the local funding burden.

The project required close coordination with the FAA, MnDOT, and the Fillmore County Board to streamline approvals and accelerate the schedule. Selected for funding in July 2022, the terminal was completed from design to construction in under 1.5 years – an impressive turnaround for a federally funded project. By prioritizing long-term needs, the County fast-tracked this Capital Improvement Project by over 25 years, securing a vital upgrade that will serve as the community’s front door. 

Unit T Hangar

Parallel to the terminal project, the County executed another critical infrastructure upgrade: an eight-unit T-hangar to accommodate increasing demand for aircraft storage. With a waitlist of nearly 20 prospective tenants, this expansion directly supported economic growth and enhanced airport operations.

To mitigate potential settlement issues, the SEH team implemented a strategic fill material plan, allowing the soil to consolidate over the winter before construction commenced in the spring. This approach ensured a stable foundation and ongoing durability for the new structure.

The project also required careful coordination of several critical components: 

• Relocating the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) to maintain accurate weather readings.
• Reconfiguring the airport’s lighting system circuitry to ensure uninterrupted airfield operations.
• Securing funding through entitlement transfers and multi-year grants, demonstrating the County’s ability to navigate financial challenges and maximize available resources.

Through careful planning, a proactive approach to funding, and dedicated collaboration, Fillmore County successfully completed two major infrastructure projects that position the airport for long-term success. The new terminal enhances passenger and pilot experiences, while the expanded hangar capacity supports aviation growth and economic development in the region. As a result, Fillmore County Airport has secured its role as a key aviation hub, ensuring it remains a vital community asset for decades to come. 

Awards

• Terminal Building Construction: 2023 Project of the Year Large Intermediate General Aviation Airport Award | Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA)