MDOT Office of Aeronautics has announced a new State/Local Airport Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The State of Michigan has provided a one-time General Fund appropriation of $5 million to help address unfunded airport maintenance, capital development, revenue-generating, and equipment needs at general aviation airports.
If an airport wishes to be considered for this program, they should submit a cover letter, completed application Form 1579, including letters of support, and any additional documentation electronically, in one combined pdf file, to Jim Hartman at HartmanJ1@Michigan.gov by Friday May 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST.
Project applications can compete for the following categories of funding:
- Capital Development: Addresses the highest priority system plan or current licensing deficiencies.
- Revenue Generating: Addresses sustainability with potential revenue-generating projects that lead to self-sufficient operations.
- Equipment Procurement: Addresses equipment purchases that are not eligible for federal funding or present other challenges.
- Maintenance: Addresses airfield and other maintenance projects to improve pavement conditions, drainage, etc.
Program Timelines and Deadlines:
- Call for projects sent out March 19, 2026
- Application Deadline – Friday, May 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST
- Project selections announced, with a request for Michigan Aeronautics Commission approval scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at the MAC meeting.
- Sponsor Contracts Executed – June 2026
- Project Start – June 2026
- Project Closeout Complete – September 30, 2026
General Information and Guidelines
All public use airports may apply. Airports must have an active basic or general utility license in good standing.
If an airport currently has a provisional license, the proposed project must address the existing licensing deficiencies. Obstruction clearing projects at airports with existing airport zoning protections will not be considered.
Airports that have not finished their closeout from the 2025 state local program will not be considered.
Funding not spent by September 30, 2026, is not guaranteed even if a project has been approved and started. Funding requested past September 30, 2026, is subject to Legislative review and approval.
For selected projects, the intent is to provide grant funding directly to the airport and sponsor as early as possible after sponsor contract execution. Specific contract terms and payment processes will be included in an award letter, along with information on other required administrative, reporting, and financial reporting functions.
All required permits, processes, and approvals will remain the responsibility of the airport sponsor including but not limited to project design, procurement / bid letting, construction administration, environmental clearance, airspace approval, local permitting, and other items involved in completing the work.
Application Information (Form 1579)
Section 1: Please provide a general description of the airport, its current operations, and clear, concise details of the proposed project. Include a scope of work, schedule of activities, and any photos, sketches, drawings, and cost information needed to demonstrate that the project can be completed within the required timeframe.
Section 2: Please provide a narrative, justification, and any additional information regarding the impact of this investment. Describe how the project will benefit the airport, the surrounding community, and the people of Michigan.
Section 3: Please elaborate on any unique elements of the project and provide evidence of local support.
Selection
Project applications will be reviewed and awarded by MDOT Office of Aeronautics staff. All selections will be final and based on the following criteria.
- impact of investment
- provisional license or other safety impact
- included local letters of support
- demonstration of readiness, procurement method, (or ability to complete within the Fiscal Year by September 30, 2026)
- in alignment with and support of the Michigan Aviation System Plan
- Cost (bids preferred)
If you have any additional questions, please contact Jim Hartman at 517-242-4968 or HartmanJ1@Michigan.gov.
