Aeronautics and Aviation

SFY27 Aeronautics Equipment Grant Program

MnDOT Aeronautics is requesting applications for the SFY 2027 Aeronautics Equipment Grant Program. The applicatios will open Nov. 16, 2026 in BlackCat. Qualified applicants must submit a separate application for each piece of equipment to ensure it is scored and considered for potential funding. Funding is provided through the State Airports Fund and is used to support eligible pieces of equipment at Minnesota’s 132 publicly funded airports.

Purpose

Every piece of equipment used at a Minnesota publicly owned airport is an important part of the overall maintenance and safety of Minnesota’s airport system, and its users/the people it serves. MnDOT Aeronautics is announcing a competitive solicitation for equipment used for the maintenance and operations at these publicly owned airports. Eligible equipment can be found in the Funding Eligibility guidance. Examples include:

• Mower
• Mower Decks
• Snow Removal Equipment
• Maintenance Vehicles
• Safety Equipment
• Obstruction removal Equipment
• Maintenance Equipment (i.e. Brush hog, pavement sweepers, etc.)

These examples serve as a reference only - inclusion does not guarantee funding.

State goals and priorities

The State of Minnesota prioritizes equipment that helps maintain and improve the safety, efficiency, sustainability and reliability of the statewide airport system. Funding decisions support systemwide asset management, preservation of critical aviation infrastructure, and strategic investments that strengthen Minnesota’s transportation network.

Serving diverse populations

This grant program helps ensure equitable access to safe and reliable air transportation by supporting airports that serve diverse communities across Minnesota. Equipment funded through this program enhances mobility for residents of all backgrounds, including rural communities, tribal nations, business travelers, medical transport users, and visitors.

Applications must include complete information:

• A completed cost split
• Use the template provided under the global documents tab of BlackCat or it can be downloaded on the application page when applying for the grant
• Accurate quote/ cost estimate
• Quote/cost estimate must include all costs including additional costs being requested for eligible add-ons
• Supporting documentation/justification
• Provide additional documentation that supports additional add-ons to the equipment or to meet certain criteria from the scoring below (i.e., sustainability)

Incomplete applications will not be scored. Funding participation will follow the State Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Rates Letter.

Application process

Applications will be submitted through BlackCat Aviation, MnDOT’s new grant management platform. Directions for adding projects to your CIP and submitting applications are in BlackCat’s Global Documents section.

Complete the web-based application in BlackCat Aviation. A user account is required to access BlackCat, and you can find the link in BlackCat data/grant management tool section on the MnDOT Aero Funding and Grants webpage.   

Applicants will receive confirmation and may track status within the system after submission.

Application timeline

• November 16, 2026 – Applications open in BlackCat Aviation portal.
• December 31, 2026 – Applications due to MnDOT Aeronautics in BlackCat Aviation portal.
• January 2027 – Awarded Equipment List posted on Aero Website and offer letters sent out.

Who can apply

To be eligible for state grants-in-aid, airports must meet four criteria under Minnesota Statute, Chapter 360:

• Owned by a Minnesota municipality (cities, counties, townships, or airport authorities)
• Licensed for public use
• Included in the State Airport System
• Zoned or in the process of zoning

Multi-organization applications for this solicitation are not allowed currently.

Evaluation and scoring

Applications will be evaluated and scored using the criteria identified below. All applications will be reviewed by the Aeronautics Development Section, with technical input provided by other sections within the Office of Aeronautics. Funding recommendations will be based on the final application scores and the availability of funds.

Eligible equipment projects will be ranked according to their final scores, and awards will be made to the highest-scoring applications until all available funding has been allocated. Funding awards will be based on the project costs submitted in the Capital Grant Solicitation application, and grants will be issued for that amount.

The total funding available under this solicitation is $2 million.

Ineligible equipment and costs

• Tugs and trailers are not eligible for equipment grant funding.
• The following costs are not eligible for reimbursement:
  • Sales tax on equipment purchases.
  • Administrative fees.
  • Consultant fees.
  • Extended or add-on warranties.
• Used smaller equipment, such as mowers or tractors, is not eligible for funding.

Eligibility and grant requirements

• Applications requesting upgrades beyond standard specifications, such as larger tires, larger engines, or similar enhancements, must include a written justification.
• Used heavy or specialized equipment, such as ARFF vehicles or other specialty equipment, may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Equipment purchased with grant funds must be used exclusively for airport purposes and may not be loaned, rented, or otherwise used for non-airport activities.
• Airport sponsors are responsible for verifying that equipment quotes remain valid at the time a grant offer is made.
• Equipment grants will not be amended after a grant agreement has been executed.
• See Funding Eligibility Guidance (PDF) for additional information on eligible equipment.

Grant funding and match requirements

• State participation is limited to a maximum of $200,000 per piece of equipment/grant.
• The minimum grant amount is $5,000 per piece of equipment.
• See the SFY27 Rates Letter for matching fund requirements.
• Matching funds must be provided in accordance with the SFY27 Rates Letter.

Scoring criteria