Detroit Metro Airport Receives Additional $2.3 Million in FAA Grants for Critical Runway Rehabilitation Work

DETROIT, July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan's largest air transport facility and among the world's largest air transportation hubs, has been awarded more than $2.3 million in grants by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"Once again, we are grateful to Congressman John Dingell, as well as Senators Levin and Stabenow, for their leadership and fierce advocacy that has brought these critical investment dollars to Michigan," said Lester Robinson, CEO of Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), which operates DTW. "These funds will help Detroit Metropolitan Airport continue to modernize one of the most powerful airfields in the world and one of Southeast Michigan's most dynamic economic engines."

This new federal investment in DTW is comprised of two grants: a $1,250,490 contribution toward the reconstruction of crosswind Runway 9L/27R currently underway and a $1,136,250 grant toward the preliminary design of a reconstructed Runway 4R/22L. The latter runway, DTW's longest parallel and primary international departure runway, is scheduled for complete reconstruction by 2013.

"I'm pleased the Federal Aviation Administration is making this investment at Detroit Metro Airport," said Congressman John Dingell (D-MI15). "Both of these runways were in need of work, and I'm sure the airport authority will use the money to do the rehabilitation and reconstruction necessary. It is my hope that as a result of this work any unnecessary delays will be prevented during the busy summer travel season. More importantly, this investment in the runways will complement the world class facilities that make Detroit Metro one of the best airports in the country."

Both new grants follow the award of $30 million in additional FAA grants awarded to the Airport Authority in June. Half of that initial funding was provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and has enabled the WCAA to accelerate the reconstruction of its oldest crosswind runway, 9L/27R, reducing the impact of construction on travelers and creating more short-term local jobs. As many as 225 excavators, pavers, haulers, electricians and other new construction jobs are anticipated at DTW this summer as part of that reconstruction project.

Serving more than 35 million passengers annually, DTW is the largest airport in Michigan and among the 20 busiest air transportation hubs in the world. DTW serves as the second-largest hub for the world's largest airline, Delta Air Lines, and is also home to 14 additional airlines, including several low-cost carriers and foreign-flag carriers. With two new passenger terminals and six jet runways, DTW one of the newest, most operationally-capable, customer-friendly and efficient airports in North America with more than 1,200 non-stop flights per day to over 160 destinations worldwide.