The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development recently announced an 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 maintenance 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.
“I commend this investment in Rochester’s airport to grow their footprint and their workforce,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “The regional airport provides a direct line to southeastern Minnesota communities and the world renowned Mayo Clinic.”
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.
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website, the JoinUsMn.com website, or follow us on Twitter.