Hillary Scholten

07/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/11/2025 19:23

Rep. Scholten Secures Nearly $2.4 Million for Critical Upgrades at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Today, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-03) announced that the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GRR) will receive $2,386,331 through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The grant will support key infrastructure improvements at the airport, ensuring safer, more efficient operations and long-term growth.

"Gerald R. Ford International is a critical economic engine and a gateway to West Michigan. I'm proud to secure nearly $2.4 million to improve airport safety, extend the life of essential infrastructure, and help GRR keep pace with growing demand," said Rep. Scholten. "These upgrades will help ensure GRR continues to operate safely and efficiently for years to come. I'll keep fighting to bring more resources like this home to help West Michigan grow and thrive."

"We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Scholten and the Federal Aviation Administration for their continued support of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and the West Michigan region," said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. "This funding allows us to move forward with critical infrastructure projects that will enhance safety, improve efficiency, and support future growth. These investments help ensure we continue to deliver a world-class airport experience to our passengers, partners, and community."

Specifically, the grant will support Phase 1 design work for several infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, extending the life of existing facilities, and increasing airport capacity to meet growing regional demand. The funding goes towards the rehabilitation of Taxiway V, which serves a vital role as a primary connection between the terminal apron and the airfield for commercial aircraft. Partial rehabilitation of the Taxiway will extend the useful life at least ten years while preserving the pavement for continued safe and efficient operations.

The grant also includes the full reconstruction of Taxiway D lighting, which will ensure reliability in operating the airport in a safe and efficient manner. Additionally, the grant will fund the extension of Taxiway L to accommodate more based aircraft, a move that will enhance operational efficiency and allow for future growth. GRR is currently at capacity for available airside development sites, and the construction of Taxilane L will allow for additional hangar developments.

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Scholten is committed to bringing federal investment back to Michigan's Third Congressional District and strengthening the region's transportation infrastructure. Scholten secured $15,017,605 in total funding for GRR in the FY24- 25 fiscal year. This grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and will be administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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