Kalamazoo airport receives grant

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport has secured an Airport Improvement Program grant in excess of $14 million.

Airport director Craig Williams said the grant, issued through the Federal Aviation Administration, will allow the airport to construct a 450-foot extension to one of its runways.

In addition, Williams said the funding will also allow the airport to make several supporting infrastructure improvements. Those include extension of the parallel taxiway, blast-pad reconstruction, site grading, relocation of the runway lighting system, relocation of the glideslope navigational aid, installation of new perimeter fencing and the application of updated runway markings.

He noted that the improvements are designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency at the airport.

Construction will start next spring and conclude about six months later, Williams said.