Study: RST has $190M annual economic impact
Rochester International Airport (RST) contributes $190 million annually to the local economy, according to a new report.
The figures were released Wednesday as part of a 2019 Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The study looked at each of Minnesota’s 133 public airports to determine the effect they had on the state’s economy.
Other findings from the report show that the Rochester airport supports more than 1,600 jobs along with $127 million in annual spending.
Airport director John Reed said Wednesday that the figures demonstrate the “substantial economic benefits” RST contributes to the region.
“RST is a strong economic cornerstone allowing the movement of people and commerce in and out of our community,” said Reed.
In addition to commercial aviation, the Rochester airport also serves as a hub for daily cargo shipments as well as air ambulance services.
RST is currently lobbying the Legislature for $11.4 million in state bonding to support the reconstruction of the airport’s runway. The project is estimated to cost a total of $79.2 million, with $62.8 million coming from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
Cover photo: FedEx cargo operation at RST / William Forsman
