PHOTOS: Peters, Stabenow, Slotkin Participate in Groundbreaking Ceremony at Capital Region International Airport, Highlight Federal Funding Secured to Upgrade Critical Infrastructure

LANSING, MI – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), along with U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), attended a groundbreaking ceremony at Capital Region International Airport (LAN) today for a project that will make needed upgrades to the airport’s cargo infrastructure. At the event, Peters and Stabenow highlighted the $8,183,000 million in federal resources they advocated for and ultimately helped secure through government funding legislation signed into law last year to add more than 400,000 square feet to LAN’s existing cargo ramp. Despite Phase 1 of this project being completed in 2019, the cargo ramp remains over capacity, especially during peak seasons. As cargo operations continue to grow at LAN, this project will help the airport meet current demands as well as future cargo operations, while supporting local businesses and jobs.

“Capital Region International Airport plays a vital role in Michigan’s economic success by providing safe, reliable, and efficient services for businesses and travelers,” said Senator Peters. “After hearing directly from folks about the importance of ensuring LAN can meet growing demand, I was pleased to help secure this federal support to get the project underway. Not only will it expand cargo operations, the project will help spur local economic growth and create jobs for Michiganders.”

“I am so excited to see the results of the investments I fought for and such great progress underway at my home airport! These funds are an important investment in Port Lansing and will strengthen mid-Michigan’s role as a central hub for imports and exports in the region,” said Senator Stabenow. “This investment in the airport’s infrastructure will be a catalyst for new businesses, new jobs, and economic growth.”

“With expanding airline options and increasing services, Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport continues to be a huge economic driver for mid-Michigan,” said U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin. “With more and more cargo moving through Lansing, this federal funding for the ramp will help ensure that LAN continues to support new development in the Tri-County region and the livelihoods of so many Michigan workers and families.” 

“The cargo ramp expansion project will allow us to expand our cargo operations at the airport and give us the ability to better accommodate current demand and future growth as well as diversify our revenues,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, President and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA). “This project could not have been done without the support of our local, state and federal partners and we want to thank them for their continued support and are looking forward to completing the project later this fall.”

Approximately 63.5 million pounds of cargo is moved through LAN annually, and cargo operations continue to grow each year. Expanded infrastructure is necessary to accommodate current operations and support continued growth. This project is anticipated to provide approximately 63% more cargo ramp space.

The economic impact of this project is also important for the region. This project is expected to create over 200 jobs in a variety of construction disciplines needed to complete the project. Additionally, the expansion will give current cargo operators at LAN the ability to create and maintain jobs, as well as provide opportunities for other companies to expand their cargo operations in the mid-Michigan region by utilizing the facilities at LAN.

To download high-resolution photos from the groundbreaking event, click here or on the images below.

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