Map of New Ulm Municipal airport. The orange outlined sections are newly annexed parcels that are needed for the realignment of the airports crosswind runway. Submitted photo

NEW ULM – The New Ulm City Council made preparations for the start of the new crosswind runway project at the New Ulm Municipal Airport.

The council gave pre-approval for federal and state grants in addition approving the second consideration on land annexation necessary to complete the runaway project.

The council first granted pre-approval of acceptance for the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the New Ulm Municipal Airport.

In March 2024, the United States Congress directed $2.5 million in funding to New Ulm for a new crosswind runway project. The funds must be used by Sept. 30.

The city plans to decommission and relocate the current crosswind runway at the airport. The new crosswind runway will have an east-west alignment and will comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT airport zoning standards. The project will involve designing a new turf aggregate runway, landscaping, site restoration, and airfield lighting and signage modifications. The federal grant is expected to cover 95% of the project cost.

City Councilor David Christian made the motion to granting pre-approval for the CDS for the crosswind project with a second from Councilor Tom Schmitz. It was unanimously approved.

Immediately following approval for the CDS, the council gave pre-approval on a second grant for the runaway project. New Ulm Assistant City Engineer Kyle Windschitl said this second grant came from the state and covers 2.5% of the project cost. Combined with the federal grant cover 95% of the cost, The City of New Ulm will need to cover 2.5% of the remaining cost.

City Councilor Eric Warmka made the motion approving the state grant funding, with a second from Schmitz and was also approved.

After approving the grants for the crosswind runway project, the council also approved the annexation of property adjoining the airport. A total of 25.94 acres over six land parcels were annexed. The parcels are located to the east and west of the main airport runway. The parcels are needed to construct the new crosswind runway.

Christian made the motion to approve the annexation with a second from Warmka and was unanimously approved.