Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Aeronautics and Aviation

Airport Fuel System Grants solicitation

Applications now open, deadline to apply is May 30, 2025

A one-time grant to replace or improve airport fuel systems a Minnesota’s 132 public airports is now open. Projects must benefit the air-traveling public. Eligible projects include aviation fuel system replacements, card reader enhancements, fuel system component upgrades, and other necessary improvements.

Applications and eligibility

Applications must provide all required information including justification, accurate project cost estimates and any additional supporting documentation, to be considered for funding. Incomplete applications will not be scored . Funding participation will be according to the State Fiscal Year 2026 Funding Rates Letter.

Timeline

May 2, 2025: Online application portal opens
May 30, 2025: Applications due
June 30, 2025: Awards announcement

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, the airport must meet four criteria set forth in Minnesota Statute, Chapter 360.

  • The airport must be owned by a municipality. Municipalities include cities, counties, townships and airport authorities in Minnesota, acting individually or jointly.
  • The airport must be licensed for public use.
  • The airport must be in the State Airport System.
  • The airport must be zoned or in the process of zoning. Municipalities are given the power to create, adopt, and enforce airport zoning.

Prepare Your Application

Each project requires a separate application. Funding participation follows the SFY 2026 Funding Rates Letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Gather the following materials before submitting your application:

  • Project cost estimates
  • Supporting documentation to justify the project
  • Fuel sales data from the past two years (if available)

Complete the web-based application

  • Complete and submit the SFY 2026 Aeronautics Grant Application using the online form
  • Upon submission, you will receive a PDF copy of your responses for your records.

Fuel System Project Scoring Criteria 

Total Possible Score: 90 Points

1. Project Type (60 points) 
  • Fuel Card Readers – 60 Points
  • Fuel Monitoring Systems – 50 Points 
  • Aviation Fuel Systems – 50 Points (Varied) 
    • High Usage (Over 20,000 gallons/year) – 50 Points 
    • Moderate Usage (10,000 – 20,000 gallons/year) – 40 Points 
    • Low Usage (1,000 – 9,999 gallons/year) – 20 Points 
    • Minimal Usage (Under 1,000 gallons/year) – 10 Points 
  • Fuel Trucks/Tanks – 40 Points
  • Other Fuel System Projects (including maintenance vehicle fuel system) – 30 Points
 2. Project Justification (30 Points) 
  • Clear, well-documented justification demonstrating operational need, cost savings, and/or efficiency improvements – 30 Points 
  • Moderate justification with some details but lacking full analysis – 20 Points 
  • Weak justification, lacking data or unclear benefits – 10 Points 
  • No justification provided – Rejected application

After Submission

  • Application will be evaluated and scored using the criteria outlined above.
  • Grants will be awarded based on highest scores until all available funds are allocated.
  • The selected projects will be announced June 30, 2025.
  • If selected, you will receive a grant offer letter.