The construction near the airport is for the expansion of the southeast apron for the relocation of the fuel station storage site.

City engineer Joe Stadheim explained the airport’s existing fuel storage and dispensing site is need of replacement as it is nearing the end of its useful life. The city wanted to take the opportunity to replace the fuel system by relocating it to a more convenient location near the southeast hangar.

The existing fuel system is located across the taxiway from the airport terminal. Stadheim said planes stopping at the terminal building were coming in conflict with other aircraft refueling. By moving the fuel tanks to the southeast hangar it will create a friendly environment.

Stadheim said the apron expansion is needed before the fuel system is moved. He expects the expansion work should be completed this fall.

Kuepers Construction begins ground work on the first phase of an apartment project on North Highland.

Stadheim said the city still needs to put the fuel system project out to bids this year. After the project is bid, the fuel tanks will need to be ordered. He is optimistic that the new fuel system could be in place by fall 2026.

The construction work near Kids X-Cel Center is the first phase of the Kuepers Highland Apartments project.

In June, the New Ulm City Council approved moving forward with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a new apartment project at 901 N. Highland Ave. The project calls for the creation of four, three-story apartment buildings with eight detached garages, along with a sports court, children’s playground, dog park, parking lots and stormwater ponds. As part of the project, 10th will be extended from 10th N. Street from N. Highland Avenue to the west. The total property area is 10.2 acres.

The Kuepers Highland Apartment project will be completed in two phases. The first phase of the project would include the construction of two buildings with 38 apartments each. The second phase would include two 36-unit apartments further west on the property.

Kuepers broke ground on the project in August and anticipates completing the first phase in a year. The second phase is expected to take between three and four years to complete.

Construction crews move dirt near the New Ulm Municipal Airport as apart of the southeast apron expansion.

In September, construction began on the apron expansion near the New Ulm Airport’s southeast hangar.