Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Dan Kraker
Duluth, Minn.

Duluth seeks state money for aviation industry expansion

Vision Jet
One of three test planes Cirrus Aircraft built to win FAA approval of its seven-passenger, $2 million Vision Jet. The company plans to begin customer deliveries by the end of 2015.
Dan Kraker | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The city of Duluth is seeking $4 million from the state to help Cirrus Aircraft expand.

The company has over 500 orders for its $2 million Vision Jet. But to meet the growing demand, Cirrus says it needs a new $10 million building next to the Duluth airport. The city of Duluth has pledged to cover $6 milion of the cost.

Mayor Don Ness wants the state to kick in the rest this legislative session.

"We ask the state of Minnesota, just as they stepped up for Rochester and Mayo to facilitate that project, we need the state to be that similar project to help make Duluth, to fulfill our tremendous potential in aviation," Ness said.

Cirrus has added about 300 jobs in the past three years. It currently has about 600 workers in Duluth.

Cirrus CEO Dale Klapmeier says there's a narrow window of opportunity and the company is hoping for the state appropriation quickly.

"If we don't get it this session, we will have to figure out what our options are to find space, create space, to get the airplanes done," he said.

Ness envisions Duluth as a growing center in the aviation industry, with Cirrus at the hub. AAR Corp. recently opened an aircraft repair and maintenance facility at the airport. The 148th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard is also based at the Duluth airport.

"There are only a few industries we have in this region that bring in outside money into our economy, and aviation is one of those industries," said Ness.