Aircraft upgrade from a CRJ-200 to CRJ-900, providing additional capacity
LANSING, Mich.— The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced that the Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA) has been awarded a $3.6 million grant for the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) site readiness development project for water, sewer and utility infrastructure upgrades to spur economic growth at LAN. The grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan and EDA’s $300 million Coal Communities Commitment.
“This grant will allow us to move forward with the site readiness project at LAN, giving us the ability to diversify our revenues and create opportunities for development efforts for businesses that need warehouse space and facilities with quick access to the airfield for distribution of product, cargo logistics, and other business operations,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the CRAA. “This grant could not have been possible without the support of our federal partners, Sen. Peters, Sen. Stabenow, and Rep. Slotkin, and we want to thank them for their continued support.”
The site readiness development project is expected to cost an estimated $4.4 million. The EDA investment will be matched with nearly $900,000 in local funds from the airport. The project is expected to create at least 250 jobs, retain 10 jobs, and generate an estimated $100 million in private investment.
“Michigan airports play a vital role in keeping travelers, communities, and businesses connected to important markets and destinations,” said Sen. Gary Peters. “I’m pleased to welcome this investment in the Capital Region International Airport to upgrade critical infrastructure and drive economic growth.”
“Having reliable and safe air service is crucial for economic development, commerce, and tourism,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “This critical investment will create more jobs and economic opportunities for businesses in the Lansing area.”
The site readiness development project will create build-ready sites on a 47-acre parcel of undeveloped land at LAN, near the existing Port Lansing Global Logistics Warehouse, and will include the installation of sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer. It will also include an extension of three-phase electrical infrastructure and create a regional stormwater detention area. Project design is expected to start in October 2022, with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2024.
“I’m so pleased to see this major investment for the Capital Region Airport Authority come together,” said Rep. Elissa Slotkin. “Delivering these funds will ensure LAN continues to provide critical service to hundreds of thousands of travelers in mid-Michigan every year and will drive economic development in the Greater Lansing region while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of Michigan workers.”
The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) was a co-applicant on the grant as the owner of the electrical infrastructure on the land to be developed at LAN.
“BWL is proud to have partnered with the Capital Region Airport Authority to secure this critical infrastructure funding,” said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley. “We appreciate our federal leaders for supporting this project that will be a catalyst for regional economic growth.”
“The Capital Council of Governments (CAPCOG) is pleased that the federal Economic Development Administration is investing $3.6 million in our region’s regional asset, the Capital Region International Airport, to support the airport’s utility infrastructure and site readiness project for future business development,” said Kam Washburn, co-chair of CAPCOG and Clinton County Board of Commissioners board chair. “These types of projects are transformational investments that will help our region achieve long-term goals in fostering business competitiveness and growing well-paying jobs.”
This project is funded under the EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.
“The greater Lansing region is only 90 minutes away from 90% of the state’s population – with LAN as a natural central hub,” said John Shaski, CRAA board chair. “The airport’s location along with the other benefits of the greater Lansing region make it an attractive area for businesses to invest and grow, and this site readiness project will help spur economic development and provide the opportunity for new business investment. 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.
