The Willow Run Airport has been awarded a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the repaving of its 05R/23L runway. The gift follows a previous grant of $9 million that was awarded in July to fund the project.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Wayne County Airport Authority a $12 million federal grant towards renovating the 05R/23L runway at the Willow Run Airport. The renovations are part of a 10-year, $182 million plan to upgrade the airport.
Announcement of the grant was made on Sept. 19 by U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow as well as Congressmen John Dingell and John Conyers, Jr. (all of whom are Democrats)
“This funding is a continued investment in not only Willow Run Airport, but our entire area, to help protect and create jobs that our working families rely on,” Dingell said in a statement. “This facility is important to our local economy, and this smart funding will help them continue this important project as we all work to do more with less to get the job done on behalf of Southeast Michigan residents.”
Several strategic goals of the airport’s new developments, plans for which have been in the works since 2005, include adding new taxiways, reconstructing and extending of the runways and developing airport land. The renovations are designed to stimulate economic development and job growth in the area.
The Willow Run airport is a leading general aviation and air cargo facility that handles 200 million pounds of cargo each year. The airport supports 1,500 jobs across Michigan, leading to the contribution $84 million to the regional economy.
The airport was already awarded $9 million earlier this year in July to begin work on the runways. The grant was part of a $27.3 million request from the WCAA for the repaving project.
“This is more good news for Southeast Michigan companies that depend on business and cargo place service at Willow Run,” Stabenow stated. “Rehabilitating the runway will ensure that the airport runs efficiently and supports economic growth.”
http://www.heritage.com/articles/2013/10/01/ypsilanti_courier/news/doc5244a42c62e79201789224.txt