Barrett Celebrates $7.8 Million Federal Investment Secured For Lansing Airport

Lansing, Mich. - Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined President and CEO Nicole Noll-Williams and other leadership of the Capital Region International Airport to review the airport's outdated passenger boarding bridges, which he secured federal funding to replace through a bipartisan appropriations bill in February. The $7.823 million investment to replace the aging passenger boarding bridges is part of the $146 million Barrett has secured for mid-Michigan projects since taking office last year.

"The Lansing airport connects mid-Michigan families and our economy with the world," said Barrett. "I was proud to secure $7.8 million to replace the outdated passenger boarding bridges and make traveling in and out of our community an even better experience. The new jet bridges will not only allow the airport to accommodate passengers more efficiently, but they will also ensure mid-Michiganders and visitors can safely and conveniently Fly Lansing for years to come."

"This nearly $8 million in federal funding is a critical infrastructure investment for the Capital Region International Airport (LAN). Replacing our passenger boarding bridges is a necessary upgrade that directly supports the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our facilities for our tenants, airline partners and passengers," said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA). "We are grateful for the continued support of our federal legislative partners whose advocacy helps ensure LAN remains a safe, modern and competitive gateway for the Mid-Michigan region."

The $7.823 million Barrett secured will help replace five of the airport's six passenger boarding bridges. The current bridges are outdated and require constant repair, and one of them is inoperable. The new bridges will be energy efficient and meet the most up-to-date accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

At the airport, Barrett met with Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO; Rob Benstein, vice president and chief operating officer; Rob O'Neil, director of infrastructure, facilities, and environmental management; Steve Ball, manager of facilities maintenance; and Steve Gonzalez, chief of public safety.