Largely funded by federal grants, the project adds a 50 by 1250-foot taxiway in the airfield's northeast corner, creating direct aircraft access to previously undeveloped property.
Airport officials say, with nearly all existing sites already leased, the newly available property is now open to house aircraft hangars, corporate aviation and related businesses.
Airport Authority Chief Commercial Officer Carlos Ruiz says the expansion aligns with the airport's long-term strategy and bolsters the area's aerospace and defense sector - an industry that supports over 8,700 jobs and contributes $1.5 billion to the gross regional product, according to economic development agency The Right Place.
"There is a pipeline of talent for aviation technicians and mechanics being built here. Kent ISD has a program for aviation mechanics. We have the West Michigan Aviation Academy on campus. So there's an ecosystem already built here with a strong foundation, and we want to be able to be part of that and continue to build on top of that."
Leaders are focusing on the maintenance, repair and overhaul industry, working to attract companies to build large facilities that fit multiple aircraft for servicing - a piece of the puzzle Ruiz says the Ford Airport doesn't yet have.
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