The Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have announced $4 million in one-time Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 airport development grants to be awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects. These funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
Fast facts:
- $4 million in one-time airport development grants have been awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects.
- Funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
- MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
“Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “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. Let’s keep working together to improve infrastructure in Michigan and better connect our small business owners, people and families.”
MDOT initially received applications from 54 airports for 97 projects, totaling $10.5 million. Selection criteria was based on 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,” MAC Chair Ben Carter said.
“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. “We received funding to purchase a much-needed John Deere 5095M utility tractor for snow removal purposes. The airport also received funding for crack sealing and pavement markings. Hillsdale Airport has been working hard improving the airport and staying in good standing for general utility license.”
Michigan has 215 airports statewide, with 18 being commercial airports. Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy according to data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
