June 07, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2024
Contact: michiganinfrastructure@michigan.gov
Michigan Receives Millions in Federal Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Improve Airport Infrastructure
$66.3 million will enhance safety, efficiency and travel reliability, create good-paying jobs for Michigan residents
LANSING, Mich.—Today, the Michigan Infrastructure Office announced Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) are set to receive a total of $66.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funding is made possible through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Infrastructure Grants Program (AIG) and will enhance airport infrastructure, improve safety, and increase efficiency for travelers.
“The latest announcement of more than $60 million for Michigan airports will ensure residents and visitors have a better travel experience and drive economic growth. By modernizing our aviation network, we are building on Michigan’s strength as a hub for commerce and tourism and moving our state forward,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We’re continuing to improve our infrastructure and support good-paying jobs for Michiganders thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure law and our congressional delegation. Let’s keep getting it done.”
DTW will receive $61.8 million to fund the rehabilitation of a portion of Dingell Drive, the main road artery serving the McNamara Terminal, and sections of the adjacent service road. This is a multi-year project. Roadway work includes replacement of storm sewer sections, concrete curb and median walls, overhead and cantilever signage, as well as roadway light poles. Tunnel work included in the project scope addresses all three tunnels which run beneath both of the airport's crosswind runways and associated taxiways. Tunnel mechanical and electrical systems will be upgraded, along with structural repairs.
“Both Detroit Metro Airport and Gerald R. Ford Airport are a key part of Michigan’s transportation system and serve as important economic drivers for our state. It’s absolutely critical that these airports have the infrastructure and resources needed to maintain safe and efficient operations,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to support the bipartisan infrastructure law that is providing this funding to upgrade airport roadways and purchase the equipment necessary to keep planes running safely and on time across our state.”
“More than $60 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for our airports will enhance safety and operations and improve the travel experience for all our visitors and residents. Southeast Michigan is leading the way in advancing manufacturing, technology, the auto industry, and clean energy, and ensuring people can travel to and from our area seamlessly is critical to maintaining our leadership,” said U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “Investing in our infrastructure creates jobs and drives economic growth, and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Whitmer, my colleagues in congress, and our local partners to bring these funds to Michigan.”
“I’m grateful to the Biden administration for securing vital funding for transportation and airports nationwide, including Michigan and Wayne County. Bringing federal dollars back to our district is and has always been a top priority for my office," said U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar. "This $62 million grant for DTW will rehabilitate an existing on-airport roadway, providing a path for aircraft rescue firefighting trucks, airport vehicles, and ground service equipment. These changes will undoubtedly make a sizable and immediate impact on the safety and efficiency of our local airport.”
DTW welcomed more than 31 million passengers in 2023. Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 800 flights per day to and from more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents.
“We are grateful to the FAA Detroit Airport District Office, Governor Whitmer and the entire Michigan congressional delegation for their continued support of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport,” said Chad Newton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority. “This grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helps fund our Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation program launched earlier this year. The project will improve the travel experience for our customers and workers who navigate the roadways on DTW’s campus each day.”
GFIA will receive $4.5 million to expand the existing snow removal equipment building by an additional 37,317 square feet, ensuring that the airport can maintain operations during severe winter weather.
“When the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) thrives, West Michigan thrives. I’ve been working tirelessly on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to bring home as many investments to the airport as possible,” said U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. “I’m so excited to join the Governor and local partners to announce yet another multi-million-dollar federal investment to support the airport’s expansion of the snow removal building and make sure West Michiganders can safely get to where they need to go no matter the weather conditions. These are our tax dollars at work for us!”
Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids had over 3.7 million passengers fly through in 2023, a 6% increase from its record-breaking numbers in 2019. A recent study shows the airport supports over 40,000 jobs, contributes to $7.7 billion in economic activity, $10.3 million in fiscal impact and a total of $1.3 billion in household income.
“As part of the national, once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping offset airport expansion and capacity improvement costs for Michigan travelers,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “At Ford International Airport, AIG funds have been used to enhance our aircraft rescue and firefighting and snow removal equipment facilities with federal AIG funds and partial state matching funds from the MDOT Office of Aeronautics. Moving forward, grant funds will be used to expand the terminal, providing an improved check-in experience for our guests. We applaud the federal and state support of aviation in West Michigan.”
On top of the benefits of improved infrastructure, these grants also serve as an investment in Michigan's economy and job market. Modernizing and strengthening airport facilities and enhancing accessibility are pathways for more tourism and business travel. The projects funded by these grants will create job opportunities in a multitude of fields, such as construction and engineering. This aligns with Michigan’s broader goals of resiliency, job creation and sustainability by lifting up our economy and supporting Michigan's workforce.
"Delta’s Michigan operation plays an essential role in connecting travelers across the globe through an elevated customer experience, and a key element of delivering outstanding service is consistently improving the airport experience," said Sarah Gonzales, director of State & Local Government Affairs at Delta Air Lines. “This funding from the FAA sets the stage for Michigan’s airport infrastructure to enter the next era of modern and sustainable travel. We commend our federal partners for securing this investment for our state and are grateful for their continued support.”
To date, Michigan has brought home $10.8 billion in funding from the BIL to invest in improving our roads and bridges, high-speed internet access, water systems, public transit, clean energy and more to drive enhanced connectivity, improved transportation, and resilient infrastructure.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Michigan as we celebrate a $66 million federal investment into our airports,” said Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “This funding will enhance infrastructure, efficiency and safety responses. Airports are vital economic drivers, fueling growth, and prosperity both regionally and statewide. With these investments, we are ensuring that our airports remain state-of-the-art facilities that support Michiganders and travelers for generations to come. This commitment to infrastructure will bolster our economy, enhance connectivity, and pave the way for a brighter future for all.”
To learn more about the Michigan Infrastructure Office, please visit www.michigan.gov/whitmer/issues/michigan-infrastructure-office.
ABOUT THE MICHIGAN INFRASTRUCTURE OFFICE
The Michigan Infrastructure Office is responsible for organizing and executing Governor Whitmer’s vision for infrastructure, coordinating across state government, marshaling resources, and partnering with local officials, federal partners, and outside stakeholders to ensure resources sent to Michigan through BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), are used efficiently and effectively.
Author:
