Stephen Municipal Airport is making strategic improvements to preserve its infrastructure, enhance safety, and support the community’s aviation needs. Bollig Engineering has partnered with the City of Stephen, MN to secure MnDOT funding and advance a series of projects, including runway and taxiway rehabilitation, zoning and clear zone planning, and upcoming apron reconstruction, helping position the airport to serve local general aviation and ag-spraying operations well into the future.
Runway and Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation
Stephen Municipal Airport’s (D41) runway and taxiway were starting to show their age and needed attention to continue smooth operations and extend pavement life. The Aviation team at Bollig Engineering worked with the City of Stephen to secure a crack seal and sealcoat grant from MnDOT to restore the pavement to peak condition. Bollig Engineering designed and bid the project, and by late summer 2025, airport users had a new runway surface with fresh runway marking. With this completed, the airport will be able to support its local general aviation and ag spraying operations for years to come.
Zoning and Clear Zone Acquisition Plan
Airport Zoning is a crucial component of the requirements for airport licensure through MnDOT Aeronautics, and it should reflect current MnDOT standards and the vision that is laid out in Stephen’s Airport Layout Plan. With their current airport zoning ordinance being implemented in 1977 and their Airport Layout Plan now approved, it was time for an update. The City of Stephen worked with Bollig to secure a Zoning and Clear Zone Acquisition Plan grant, which will kick off in 2026 with the aviation team. After this grant is completed, D41’s zoning regulations will be up to date with MnDOT’s current standards.
In addition to the zoning process, the grant includes funding for D41 to create a Clear Zone Acquisition Plan (CZAP). This short report outlines a plan of action for the city to acquire the property under the Minnesota Clear Zones at each end of the runway, keep the land clear of airspace obstructions, and protect people and property on the ground.
Apron Reconstruction
With the runway and taxiway pavement rehabilitation project complete, the next item Bollig was charged with is the reconstruction of the public aircraft parking apron and tiedowns. These tie downs are the “parking spot” for airplanes when visiting Stephen, so it is of utmost importance to keep these areas available and ready for use by the flying public. As with the runway and taxiway project, Bollig assisted Stephen with the grant application, and the design will begin soon. The City’s commitment to and investment in its airport mean Stephen Municipal Airport has a bright future.
Minnesota Flyer Magazine – Airport of the Month
Stephen Municipal Airport has been recognized as Minnesota Flyer Magazine’s March 2026 Airport of the Month! Aviation writer, Tom Foster, does a great job describing the Runway and Taxiway pavement project and a history of the airport and Larson Ag Inc. View the Minnesota Flyer article here.
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