As part of the project, the airport’s current turf crosswind runway will be removed and a new turf runway will be created with an east-west alignment.

Safety is the top reason for the realignment project. Currently, New Ulm’s airport has 94% wind coverage between its two runways. By moving the location of the crosswind runway and giving it an east-west alignment, the airport will have a wind coverage rate of 98%. This means aircraft will be able to safely land at the airport under 98% of wind conditions.

This is especially important for New Ulm’s airport, which is heavily used by smaller fixed-wing and single-engine planes. Smaller aircraft are more susceptible to strong crosswinds. The new crosswind runway will make it easier for smaller crafts to land.

The crosswind realignment project has been on New Ulm’s radar for nearly 20 years but cost prohibited the project until federal funding became available.

Tuesday, New Ulm City Council passed a resolution ordering plans and specifications for a new crosswind runway at the airport. Journal file photo

City Engineer Joe Stadheim said the project is funded through congressional directed spending. The city received $2.5 million in funding for the crosswind runway project. Funds must be used by Sept. 30, 2026.

Councilor Larry Mack made the motion to approve the plans and specifications with a second from Councilor Tom Schmitz.

The council also authorized advertising for project bids. Staff will receive and open bids for the project at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 24.

Plans and specification of a new crosswind runway at New Ulm Municipal Airport were approved Tuesday. The project will be funded with $2.5 million in Congressional directed spending. The new runway will increase airplane landing safety. Journal file photo