Minnesota is served by an extensive system of public airports that provide essential transportation links, support aviation services and generate significant economic activity. To get a better understanding of just how important the state’s airports are to the economy, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) completed the $500,000 Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study, which found that public airports generate more than $18 billion in annual economic activity. MnDOT then created a new online interactive economic impact calculator tool that captures the study’s final results and provides quantitative information that illustrates the economic benefits each airport provides to its community. Those communities then use the results to support their local project needs to the state legislature. This study and the tools that came from it allow for better understanding by the public and lawmakers regarding the importance of these airports and help continue to grow the local economy for all who live there.
America's Transportation Awards 