Peters, Stabenow Announce Alpena County Regional Airport Will Receive $1.2 Million Federal Grant for Improvements

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will be awarding $1,206,500 to the Alpena County Regional Airport. This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant is supplemented by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act — which Peters and Stabenow helped enact — to support airports affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will go towards infrastructure improvements including the rehabilitation of runways and taxiways.

“Ensuring safe and reliable air travel continues in Northern Michigan will enable our communities to remain connected to markets and destinations during this pandemic,” said Senator Peters. “I’m pleased to announce this grant, which will strengthen transportation infrastructure in our state and improve travel safety for Michiganders.”

“Alpena County Regional Airport plays a critical role in economic development and tourism in Northern Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow. “When we invest in Michigan’s airports, we invest in safe and efficient travel.”

“Alpena County Regional Airport has received substantial funding for several projects that will increase the level of service we can provide to our community, and improve the security of our Airport. The assistance of our Federal Delegation has been instrumental in securing these opportunities to continue our goals in improving our airport,” said Steve Smigelski, Airport Manager, Alpena Regional Airport. “We truly appreciate the partnership we enjoy with Senators Peters and Stabenow, and commend their efforts to continue the improvement of our region.”

The FAA grants are administered through Fiscal Year 2020 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) annual and supplemental awards. Funds provided through the CARES Act serve as the local match for the infrastructure grants. Michigan will receive over $5.4 million in grant funding to help ensure critical safety and capacity projects continue without financial disruption.

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