Cargo Ramp Expansion Project officially underway at Lansing airport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2023
LANSING, Mich.— The Capital Region International Airport (LAN) today held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially start the cargo ramp expansion project to expand the existing cargo ramp to accommodate current needs and future cargo operations at LAN. The project was announced in March 2022 after LAN received more than $8 million in funding from the Federal Budget Bill for fiscal year 2023.
“The cargo ramp expansion project 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 our revenues,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the CRAA. “This project 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 completing the project later this fall.”
The cargo ramp expansion project is expected to cost an estimated $13.3 million. The project will be funded through a combination of federal and state earmarks, Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds, Airport Infrastructure Grant funds, and state and local match dollars. The project is expected to be completed late fall 2023.
“The Capital Region International Airport plays a vital role in Michigan’s economic success by providing safe, reliable, and efficient services for businesses and travelers,” said Senator Peters. “After hearing directly from folks about the importance of ensuring LAN can meet growing demand, I was pleased to help secure this federal support to get the project underway. Not only will it expand cargo operations, the project will help spur local economic growth and create jobs for Michiganders.”
“I am so excited to see the results of the investments I fought for and such great progress underway at my home airport! 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 63.5 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.
“With expanding airline options and increasing services, Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport continues to be a huge economic driver for mid-Michigan,” said U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin. “With more and more cargo moving through Lansing, this federal funding for the ramp will help ensure that LAN continues to support new development in the Tri-County region and the livelihoods of so many Michigan workers and families.”
The economic impact of this project is also important for the region.
"The expansion of the cargo ramp at the Capital Region International Airport is a critical investment in our region's infrastructure that will help to support economic growth and job creation for years to come. As businesses continue to expand and operate in a global economy, having the necessary infrastructure to transport goods and products efficiently is essential, and the cargo ramp expansion will ensure that our region remains competitive and attractive to businesses," said Tim Daman, president & CEO of Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
This project is expected to create hundreds of both short term construction jobs in variety of disciplines needed to complete the project, and long-term jobs. 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 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 63.5 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.