“I am pleased this funding will help provide passengers to and from the U.P. with a safer travel experience,” said Stabenow. “Ensuring tourists and families across the country can enjoy our natural treasures is important for our economy and our way of life.”

“This funding will help make the U.P. more accessible to residents and visitors alike,” said Levin. “I am hopeful that the safe and efficient air travel options that this funding helps to foster will bring more and more people up north to see the beauty that Michigan has to offer.”

At Houghton County Memorial, the funding will be used to acquire a snow sweeper to replace equipment that is more than 20 years old, and to relocate the existing entrance road to ease traffic congestion. At Delta County, the funding will be used for the expansion of the snow removal building, in order to provide greater storage; to improve pavement markings and crack sealing; and, to install a 10-foot perimeter fence to enhance security.

The funding comes as part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides grants to public agencies and other entities for the planning, development and improvement of public-use airports that meet certain criteria.