Lansing airport receives $8.183 million in federal spending bill for cargo ramp expansion
LANSING, Mich.— The Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA) on Monday announced that the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) will receive $8.183 million in federal funding to expand the existing cargo ramp to accommodate current and future cargo operations at LAN. This funding was included in the Federal Budget Bill that passed both the House and Senate last week.
“This federal funding 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 revenues,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the CRAA. “This 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 getting this project underway.”
The cargo ramp expansion is expected to cost an estimated $11.9 million, and the additional funds needed to complete the project will come from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and local match dollars. The project is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2022.
“The Capital Region International Airport is vital to Michigan’s economy and in connecting the region to important markets and destinations,” said Sen. Gary Peters. “I was pleased to support the airport’s request for federal funding. This investment will not only expand cargo operations at the airport but create jobs and spur local economic growth.”
“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 Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “This investment in the airport’s infrastructure will be a catalyst for new businesses, new jobs, and economic growth.”
Approximately 60.7 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, which is needed especially during the first and fourth quarter.
“Passing the two bipartisan funding bills last week was critical to preventing the risk of a government shutdown and funding priorities like veterans’ medical care through the VA and the bipartisan infrastructure law, which will create thousands of jobs across Michigan,” said Rep. Elissa Slotkin. “I’m also thrilled that the package included significant funding for the Lansing community, including more than $8.1 million for a cargo ramp expansion at Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport. With more and more cargo moving through Lansing, this funding will help ensure that LAN continues to drive economic development in the Tri-County region and support the livelihoods of so many Michigan workers and families.”
The economic impact of this project is also important for the region.
“The cargo expansion at the Capital Region International Airport is a critical infrastructure investment helping our region compete more effectively in the global economy,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of our congressional delegation in supporting the infrastructure and economic development needs of the Lansing region and state of Michigan.”
“The opportunity to expand the cargo operations at the Capital Region International Airport would represent a significant boost for our regional economy,” said Paula Cunningham, board chair, Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition. “We know that our airport is an important driver of our regional economy and upgrading our ability to move cargo both domestically and internationally is a significant step forward.”
This project is expected to create over 200 short-term jobs in a variety of constructions 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 utilizing the facilities at LAN.
“The greater Lansing region is only 90 minutes away from 90% of the state’s population,” said John Shaski, CRAA board chair. “It’s a natural central hub with diverse transportation infrastructure and a competitively low cost of living, making it an attractive area for businesses to invest and grow. This is a huge win for LAN, Lansing, and the entire mid-Michigan region.”
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The Capital Region Airport Authority owns and operates the Capital Region International Airport (LAN), Mason Jewett Field Airport (TEW) and Port Lansing – a global logistics center and mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry. The Capital Region International Airport is an important asset in the mid-Michigan community, driving $1 billion annually in economic impact with 700 people employed at the airport. The airport welcomes more than 352,000 visitors each year to connect throughout the country and the world. In addition to providing corporate and general aviation, the Capital Region International Airport moves 60.7 million pounds of cargo annually and is one of two airports in the state with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station. Port Lansing, mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry and home to Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #275 covering eight counties, also features a 48,000-square-foot cargo facility and container freight station, and 425 acres of ready-to-develop land. For more information, go to FlyLansing.com and visit the airport’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.
Contact: Katherine Japinga