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WASHINGTON – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that Bishop International Airport in Flint received $213,091 in federal funding to improve airfield guidance. The Federal Aviation Administration provided this grant to Bishop to allow the airport to meet current design standards by installing lighted airfield guidance signs as well as removing trees and other obstructions.
“This funding will go to upgrading Bishop International Airport’s runways as it plays an ever-increasing role in Mid-Michigan’s economy as one of the fastest growing airports in the country,” Kildee said. “Bishop’s proximity to major interstates and rail lines makes it ideally situated to continue to grow, bringing new jobs and tremendous economic benefits to the area.”
Bishop Airport will use this funding to enhance safety for aircraft by removing several obstructions near runway approaches, including trees. Guidance signs and the ground-based windsock will be lighted.
In June, Congressman Kildee secured $1.5 million in federal funding as an initial step to developing an intermodal cargo hub. The funding for Bishop was included in the House Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2007. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed their version of the FY07 funding bill in July, earmarking $3 million for Bishop. The airport intends to use the $1.5 million to expand its west cargo apron to accommodate both additional and larger freight aircraft.
Last year, Kildee secured $1.6 million in federal funding for improvements to Bristol Road in order to accommodate the cargo hub project as part of a six-year reauthorization of federal highway programs. The funding Kildee secured will facilitate easier access from Bristol Road to the expanded cargo facilities. Bristol Road links the airport to I-69, I-75 and the CN Rail yard. |
