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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that Bishop International Airport in Flint would receive $2.5 million in federal funding to enhance the airport’s ability to manage large cargo aircraft. Rep. Kildee contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to request the funding for Bishop Airport’s intermodal cargo apron expansion.
The grant award averts a funding shortfall that could have dampened the pace of the expansion scheduled for completion in 2008. Kildee appealed to the FAA and requested that they issue the grant, noting the significant contributions made by the community for the new development and that voters had approved a permanent mill-age for Bishop Airport.
“I am pleased I was able to secure this vital funding for Bishop Airport as a critical step in developing an intermodal hub that will grow our regional economy,” said Kildee. “Bishop Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. With its proximity to major interstates and rail lines, it is ideally situated to be a cargo hub for the region, bringing new jobs and tremendous economic benefits to mid-Michigan.”
“We are very grateful to both Congressman Kildee and the FAA for recognizing the importance of this project to our local community,” said Airport Director Jim Rice. “These funds will ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the new Intermodal Cargo Facility to be constructed next year, creating a safe and secure environment for the current needs and future growth of cargo shipments in and out of Flint.”
Bishop Airport will use the $2.5 million to expand its west cargo apron to accommodate both additional and larger freight aircraft. Cargo ramps and aprons are used for staging aircraft while they are being loaded and unloaded. Currently, the ramp is able to accommodate a maximum of three DC-9 aircraft. Expanding the apron would allow the airport to accommodate up to six longer-haul Airbus 300 series planes and several smaller aircraft.
In 2005, Kildee secured $1.6 million in federal funding for improvements to Bristol Road to accommodate the apron expansion 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 Canadian National rail yard.
Bishop Airport is the third busiest airport in Michigan and is one of the fastest growing airports in America, generating close to $200 million of business activity to firms in the region. It is situated near the Canadian National and CSX railroads at the junction of I-69, I-75 and US 23. These heavily-traveled corridors are major arteries of freight movement through the state of Michigan and are key trade routes that connect the state to Canada, Mexico and beyond. The new cargo hub at Bishop will utilize these major corridors to help businesses in Michigan meet their logistical goals in capitalizing on domestic and international markets.
In addition to the $2.5 million grant secured by Kildee, the FAA has allotted $2.3 million previously; a combined $4.8 million contribution from the federal government.
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