Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have announced a total of $4 million in one-time Fiscal Year 2025 airport development grants. These funds are allocated to 33 airports across Michigan for 44 improvement projects. The grants will support activities such as clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the administration's commitment to infrastructure investment: "Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception," he said. "We're proud of the progress we've made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure."

The selection process for the grants involved applications from 54 airports proposing 97 projects with a total request of $10.5 million. Criteria for selection included airport license status, use of COVID-19 pandemic funding, project timelines, zoning protections, project justification, community support, and alignment with the Michigan Airport System Plan (MASP).

"This important State/Local Program provides essential funding, ensuring airport infrastructure investment for safe, efficient and reliable travel for businesses and communities alike, at airports large and small across our state," stated MAC Chair Ben Carter.

Hillsdale Municipal Airport is among the recipients of this funding. "Hillsdale Municipal Airport is thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of the FY 2025 State/Local Program funding," said Hillsdale Airport Manager Ginger Moore. The airport plans to use the funds to purchase a John Deere 5095M utility tractor for snow removal purposes as well as crack sealing and pavement markings.

Michigan hosts 215 airports statewide including 18 commercial ones. Aviation contributes over $22 billion annually to the state's economy according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MDOT's State/Local Program plays a crucial role in developing and preserving a high-quality statewide air transportation system.