Stabenow, Levin and Stupak Announce Nearly $8 Million for Two U.P. Airports

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI) joined with U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak today to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration has granted $7,839,500 to two Northern Michigan airports. The money will go to Sawyer International Airport in Gwinn and Chippewa County International Airport in Sault Saint Marie and will be used to make the repairs and improvements necessary to ready these former Air Force bases for civilian use.

"This money will help these two U.P airports make the transition to providing reliable commercial air service in these former Air Force base communities," said Stabenow. "In addition, this funding will provide these airports with the resources they need to improve customer service and airport safety."

"Airports must meet the demand for quality facilities and air service," said Levin. "This funding is crucial for these two U.P. airports to upgrade their infrastructure to meet that demand. With the construction of a new hangar and other safety improvements, travelers in and out of Sawyer International will enjoy more efficient service. In addition, Chippewa County International Airport will be able to accommodate its growth needs with the construction of a new terminal and hangar."

"Every dollar that we can channel into these former Air Force base communities improves infrastructure, supports local commerce, and ultimately improves the economy and quality of life in much of the Upper Peninsula," Stupak said.

Sawyer International Airport will receive $3,202,500 in grants through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program. The airport will use the funds to rehabilitate the airport hangar, install a runway, and improve technology, among other things.

Chippewa County International Airport will receive $4,637,000 from the same program. This grant will be used to construct both a terminal and a hangar building.