The MAC's 2026 Capital Improvement Program budget modernizes, maintains reliever airports

Flying Cloud Airport Aerial

General aviation airports set for improvements

Runway pavement reconstruction, airfield lighting upgrades and an environmental review are among the projects in the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s (MAC) 2026 Capital Improvement Program budget for general aviation airports.

Nearly $29 million is earmarked for projects at the MAC’s six general aviation airports this year, including work tied to long-term comprehensive plans and maintenance/facility upgrades.

The general aviation airports — also known as reliever airports because they help relieve private aircraft traffic at MSP Airport — provide aviation service for corporate tenants, training flights and recreational flyers throughout the Twin Cities.

The 2026 CIP budget includes $7.7 million for work related to long-term comprehensive plans (LTP) at reliever airports:

  • Airlake Airport layout plan, $100,000
  • Flying Cloud Airport environmental review, $6.8 million, for the proposed alternative plan in the LTP
  • Flying Cloud Airport, South Building Area, utility improvements, $800,000

Below are a handful of highlighted projects focused on maintenance and facility upgrades:

  • Anoka County-Blaine Airport Runway 9/27 edge lights and visual lighting system replacement, $900,000
  • Flying Cloud Airport Tower equipment for airfield lighting and utilities, $2 million
  • Airlake Airport, 225th Street reconfiguration and paving, $1.5 million
  • Crystal Airport, Eastside Service road, pavement reconstruction, $1.5 million
  • St. Paul Downtown Airport Road and Eaton Street retaining wall, $900,000
  • St. Paul Downtown Airport, Taxiway A2 and A3 reconstruction, $900,000
  • Lake Elmo Airport Taxiway Echo edge lighting and signage, $650,000
  • Lake Elmo Airport Runway 4/22 pavement reconstruction, $4 million (2025 project to be constructed in 2026)

These and other maintenance and facilities-related projects at the relievers total $20.8 million for 2026. For the full 2026 CIP budget, visit this page on the MAC’s website.

Work is also ongoing on a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at the St. Paul Downtown Airport, set to open later this year. The new $19.9 million, 4,800-square-foot building will replace a smaller existing space and provide improved service for international flights. A previous year’s CIP budget included funding for the project.