Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $2.2 Million for Two Airports in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that two airports in Michigan will receive funding to rehabilitate runways and install a runway guidance system. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration as a part of the Runway Incursion Mitigation Program.

The City of Charlevoix will receive $1,253,196 to rehabilitate runways and install a runway guidance system at the Charlevoix Municipal Airport. The Economic Development Corporation of Chippewa County will receive $952,850 to rehabilitate runways and purchase snow removal equipment at the Chippewa County International Airport.

“This investment will make travelling to and from Michigan safer and more efficient,” said Senator Stabenow. “Safe and reliable air travel will also help encourage businesses to invest in the region and create jobs.”

“Travelers to and from Michigan rely on the Charlevoix Municipal Airport and Chippewa County International Airport for safe and dependable transportation,” said Senator Peters. “This funding will help the airport improve overall safety and operations and spur greater economic activity in the region.”

The Runway Incursion Management program helps airports reduce the risk of runway incursions.  Incursions occur when an aircraft, vehicle, or person enters the protected area of an airport designated for aircraft landings and take offs. The FAA has developed an updated inventory of airport locations where runway incursions have occurred and is now working with airports on mitigation strategies. More information about the Runway Incursion Mitigation Program can be found at https://www.faa.gov/airports/special_programs/rim/.

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