PHOTOS: Peters Visits Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Highlights Federal Funding He Secured to Upgrade Critical Infrastructure & Help Airport Meet Growing Demand
Peters Helped Secure Nearly $10 Million Through Government Funding Legislation and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Expand Capacity, Enhance Services and Support Local Businesses
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids today to highlight the nearly $10 million in federal resources he secured to help the airport enhance services and expand critical infrastructure.
Through government funding legislation signed into law last year, Peters advocated for and secured nearly $1.3 million to support GRR’s Concourse A expansion project known as Project Elevate. The project will add 8 new gates to the concourse to accommodate current and future demand, provide capacity for additional flights and enhance services available to airlines – while creating more than 100 local construction jobs. Peters additionally helped secure over $8.6 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to install 8 new passenger-boarding bridges. When these projects are completed, GRR will be in a position to safely and comfortably accommodate more daily flights for thousands of additional travelers.
“Gerald R. Ford International Airport is an essential economic driver and linchpin for West Michigan businesses and communities,” said Senator Peters. “That’s why I fought to secure these needed federal resources that will enable GRR to enhance the airport experience for Michiganders and other travelers while significantly expanding capacity, supporting local jobs and economic growth throughout the region.”
“It is pivotal that the Ford International Airport can support our local economy with air service opportunities, the creation of jobs and investment into our region. Elevate, our capital expansion program, includes more than $500 million in critical infrastructure improvement projects to increase connectivity to the world for our rapidly growing community,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “Senator Peters has been instrumental in the success of Elevate and we are grateful for his leadership in our state.”
“Senator Peters is an exceptional leader whose efforts have resulted in a stronger Michigan economy that boasts good-paying jobs and thriving communities for all,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “With his support, Elevate continues to expand our guest experience and add airport capacity to West Michigan.”
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) generates $3.1 billion in economic activity for West Michigan annually, and directly supports 2,000 local jobs. The airport is reaching capacity and as a result, faces challenges regarding the size and spacing of aircraft gates and common space areas for travelers. The expansion of Concourse A will reduce both aircraft and passenger congestion, fostering the continued connectivity of West Michigan businesses and communities to the world.
To view photos and b-roll courtesy of GRR, click here or below.
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