Elbow Lake Airport

Bollig Engineering specializes in airport engineering for small cities, helping rural communities like Elbow Lake plan, fund, and build aviation infrastructure that supports long-term growthThe Elbow Lake Municipal Airport serves the local community and is also home to a growing Fixed Base Operator (FBO) business with significant economic impact and growth potential. In 2015, Elbow Lake partnered with Bollig Engineering to make improvements and address pressing concerns common to rural airports.

In our role as the Airport Engineer for the City of Elbow Lake, Bollig staff have been instrumental in funding strategy, design, and construction management and oversight for Elbow Lake’s new Public Aircraft Storage Hangar. Additional municipal airport improvements for Elbow Lake Municipal Airport include relocating their Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) and Airport Lighting and Electrical systems along with developing their Airport Master Plan.

Multi-Aircraft Storage Hangar

With increasing demand for aircraft storage, Elbow Lake needed an economical hangar that would meet MnDOT and FAA requirements. Bollig secured grants, designed, and administrated construction of a 120’ x 120’ box hangar to be leased by individuals for short- or long-term storage of aircraft.

The hangar features a hydraulic door, in-floor heating, and supplemental natural light, as well as high-efficiency lighting and a complete insulation system to reduce operating costs. Constructed in 2016, the building has operated at capacity since its opening—showcasing successful rural airport infrastructure planning.

FBO Building Expansion & Airport Funding Success

Elbow Lake’s FBO business was growing and in need of more space, and there was no funding readily available for the project. With help from Bollig’s funding team, Elbow Lake Airport was awarded one of only three Airport Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) grants offered in Minnesota in 2020. This grant funding was paired with State and FAA Airport Improvement Program funding to make the FBO expansion a reality. With funding secured, Bollig designed the building expansion to meet the needs of the FBO and airport, as well as FAA and building code requirements. The building expansion is currently underway, with the FBO adding new employees, continuing toward its goal of 425% growth, and making a measurable impact on the local economy.

Apron Security Fence for Safety

During the Master Plan process, deficiencies in apron circulation and object free areas were identified, as well as the need for an improved connection between the apron and runway to provide access while enhancing pilot situational awareness when operating at Y63. Bollig worked with the airport to design and install new gates and fencing to meet licensing requirements and improve airport security for all who use it, while meeting the control and security needs of the airport staff.

Apron Reconfiguration and Taxiway Alpha Construction

Since the Master Plan process identified deficiencies in apron circulation and object free areas, as well as the need for an improved connection between the apron and runway to prevent direct access to the runway without enhancing pilot situational awareness when operating at Y63. The Apron Reconfiguration and Taxiway Alpha Construction project addresses these pressing safety needs with solutions developed during the Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan analysis stage.

Our team of professionals work closely with City staff and government agencies to leverage every opportunity to improve current facilities and build future improvements. Our commitment extends to facilitating the educational process by leading stakeholder and public outreach meetings, providing clear and accurate information, and supporting our clients’ efforts for growth and development. Bollig worked with the FAA to stage the grant process and construction of the Apron Reconfiguration and Taxiway Alpha projects in a way that would best complete for federal funds, ensuring that both portions of the project could be built in a timely manner.  Taxiway Alpha is currently under construction, and the Apron Reconfiguration project is expected to begin in Fall 2025.

Learn more about Pride of the Prairie Airport in this Minnesota Flyer article, or follow the Prairie Air Facebook page.

Learn more about Joe LaRue, Manager of Elbow Lake Municipal Airport.