Ford Airport Extension Opens 50 Acres for Development

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has completed a $5.2 million taxiway extension in the northeast corner of its airfield, providing aircraft access to more than 50 acres for aviation-related development. The airport is marketing the land for hangars, maintenance and repair facilities, corporate aviation operations and other aviation businesses, as most existing airside and hangar sites are leased and demand is growing. Officials say the project is part of a long-term effort to attract investment and jobs in West Michigan and generate revenue for future airport improvements; it was primarily funded by federal grants and created 60 construction jobs.