Nolan 'Very Optimistic' About Duluth Runway Expansion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following meetings with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials in Washington on Tuesday, Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan says he is optimistic about the fate of the proposed runway expansion at Duluth International Airport.

Rep. Nolan led a delegation of visitors, including Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon and representatives from the Minnesota National Guard, the 148th Fighter Wing, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, and the Duluth Chamber of Commerce, to meet with top FAA officials and make the case for expansion of the second runway at the airport.

Said Nolan, "While this is still in the very early stages of planning, Duluth has a record of success with the FAA, and I'm optimistic this can move forward."

"Having so many members of the community here in D.C. lobbying on behalf of this runway project makes an important impact on officials at the FAA, the Pentagon, and the Congress," Nolan added.

The runway expansion is necessary in order to make greater renovations to the airport, while accommodating the operations of the National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing, as well as regular commercial and private activity.

The meetings with the FAA come one day after the Duluth delegation met with officials at the Pentagon to gain assurance that the runway's expansion would have no effect on the National Guard's continued operations at the airport.