The community of Karlstad, MN saw potential to serve recreational and business users in the area, enabling their local economy to grow. The existing airport could not support the necessary aircraft operations, so Karlstad partnered with Bollig to move their vision forward.
Bollig Engineering worked with the City, airport, residents, and local businesses to make the case for a new airport in a location that significantly increases economic development opportunities and supports its users’ needs. The initial Feasibility Study also included recommended development projects for the near- and long-term utility of the airport. Bollig completed a Site Selection Study and advocated for Karlstad with the state legislature and MnDOT, using our compelling 3D video renderings to generate excitement and secure $16 million in funding for the new airport.
Per MnDOT requirements, Bollig created an Airport Layout Plan to explore and document the 20-year development plan for the new airport as the next step in making the City’s dream a reality. Step by step, through the Feasibility Study, Site Selection Study, and Airport Layout Plan, airport planning and funding issues were addressed in partnership with MnDOT Aeronautics, setting conditions for future construction. Bollig worked with the City to secure the necessary property, identify and remediate wetlands through wetland delineation and banking, and create the environmental reporting documentation regulated by the Board of Soil and Water Resources and the US Army Corps of Engineers required to be completed before construction could begin.
New Airport Design & Construction
With the full support of the State Legislature, Bollig began the complex process of designing the airport and preparing it for construction. This included land acquisition, easement releases, environmental documentation, wetland delineation and joint banking required by the Wetland Conservation Act, survey and geotechnical testing, permitting processes and more, all in conjunction with detailed design and construction documents suitable for bidding. All of these activities happened in tandem with ongoing communication with community members and partnership with Bollig’s Mike Beard and Karlstad’s legislators who were advocating for construction funding on the State level. Construction is currently underway.
In the 2024, 2025, and 2026 construction season, major site grading and stormwater drainage work was completed, shaping the site and readying it for final grading in summer of 2026. With the ongoing support of the legislature, the runway, taxiway and apron will be paved in 2027 and the airport can open for pilots using visual approaches. Lighting and NAVAIDS will be part of a future project
FUN FACT: The Karlstad Airport will be the first NEW airport built in Minnesota in over 20 years!
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