Wisconsin-based engineering and architectural consulting firm Mead & Hunt, have been called on board by the Mankato City Council to help rejuvenate their ailing air freight services to air cargo carriers, especially big players like FedEx and UPS, reports Mankato Free Press.
The study will help the city recognize possible cargo carriers, learn what favorable assets it could offer the cargo carriers, and examine competing airports, including St. Cloud, Rochester and Des Moines.
The airport’s likelihood for air cargo service was boosted when it broadened its main runway, to 6,600 feet from the existing 5,400 feet. Knoff, the airport’s operator says that the airport is mainly used by corporate jets, others with private airplanes, Minnesota State University’s aviation program and North Star Aviation, the airport’s operator. The airport is funded entirely by the half-percent sales tax, state and federal money and user fees.
The consulting firm has also received a $132,000 contract from the city to design and manage the construction for an asphalt overlay to the crosswind runway – so named because it provides a substitute to the main runway in times of high crosswind. The million project involves tearing up at least two inches of asphalt and replacing it, and is meant to broaden the runway’s life.
The project is slated to begin in 2010.
