MARSHALL — A project to replace a navigation system at Marshall’s airport is substantially complete. But the new system can’t be used until the federal government re-opens, Marshall city staff said this week.

“The system’s not currently online because it’s awaiting a flight check from the FAA,” said Marshall Public Works Director Jason Anderson. “As soon as the government is up and running again, they can get that scheduled, and we’ll get it checked and put into service.”

At Tuesday’s Marshall City Council meeting, council members voted to approve a final pay estimate for a project to update an Instrument Landing System at the airport. Council agenda materials for the meeting said the ILS is a radio navigation system that allows aircraft to approach the runway at night, or in poor weather conditions.

In 2023, the Minnesota Department of Transportation notified the city that it planned to replace the system. Cost participation for the project would come 70% from the state, and 30% from the city of Marshall.

“The ILS project is substantially complete,” Anderson told city council members on Tuesday. However, it could not be put online until being checked by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The total cost of the project, if you include all engineering and construction fees, was $581,306, Anderson said.

“Our local participation was 30% of that cost,” he said.

With the final pay estimate brought before the council on Tuesday, the final construction contract amount for the project was $409,442.88, Anderson said. The project came in just under budget, he said.

“When MnDOT comes out and does their certification flights, if there’s a problem, that’s on the contractor, there’s no potential for us to get a surprise amended invoice, correct?” said council member Craig Schafer.

Anderson said he thought it was unlikely there would be problems with the new ILS.

“We’re really confident that it will pass all checks,” he said.

“Is there any estimate on time when the FAA will do the certification?” Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes said.

“Our consultant, TKDA, believes it will be three to four weeks to get it scheduled and taken care of once the government starts again,” Anderson said.

Council members voted to approve a final pay estimate for the ILS project, in the amount of $20,472.14.