Rep. Erica Schwartz Secures Major Investment for Mankato Regional Airport in Final Hours of Legislative Session

ST. PAUL, MN – In the final hours of the 2026 legislative session late Sunday night, Rep. Erica Schwartz (R–Nicollet) successfully secured funding for a new air traffic control tower facility at the Mankato Regional Airport—a major victory for Southern Minnesota and the future of aviation education in the region.

The legislation appropriates $1.265 million in state bonding dollars to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new air traffic control tower at the airport, marking a significant long-term investment in regional infrastructure, economic growth, and workforce development.

“This was one of those wins that reminds you why we fight so hard for our communities,” said Rep. Schwartz. “Southern Minnesota deserves opportunities that match the talent and ambition of the people who live here. Right now, aspiring pilots in our region have to travel more than eight hours to reach the nearest flight school near the North Dakota border. That is simply not sustainable for students, families, or the future workforce we need.”

Rep. Schwartz credited Rep. Jon Koznick (R–Lakeville) and Sen. Nick Frentz (D–Mankato) for helping move the project across the finish line during intense end-of-session negotiations, along with local leaders and advocates who championed the project from the beginning.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support of Representative Koznick, Senator Nick Frentz, and our amazing community leaders who never stopped advocating for this investment,” Schwartz said. “This project would not have happened without strong local partnerships and people willing to keep pushing even when the clock was running out.”

The new tower is expected to improve airport operations while helping position the Mankato area as a stronger hub for aviation training and economic development. Community leaders say the investment could help attract new students, aviation programs, and future business opportunities to the region.

“This is about more than an airport tower,” Schwartz added. “It is about revitalization, growth, and creating a new wave of opportunity for Southern Minnesota. I am proud to help deliver real results for this community, and I look forward to continuing the work to bring even more wins home for our region.”