Michigan Airport Receives $3.8 Million for Security Improvements
Gerald R. Ford International Airport has received a total of $3.8 million for security upgrades.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which serves the Grand Rapids area of Michigan, has received a $3.8 million federal grant to improve security.
The grant comes through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program and is intended to replace the current, outdated security system at the airport including security cameras and employee access card readers.
"Safety and security are a priority at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and we are pleased to have Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters' support in securing this grant," airport President and CEO Jim Gill said in a statement.
The grand money will allow both updating of existing security cameras and expansion of the CCTV system in both concourses, an airport spokesperson said. It will also help to update and expand the system used to ensure that only employees move through secure areas of the airport.
The spokesperson said benefits of the changes include security, reduced maintenance costs, the ability for multiple vendors to provide future maintenance and updated design that will allow future regulatory needs to be implemented seamlessly.
The grant was announced just as the airport prepares to celebrate the completion of phase one of an ongoing multimillion-dollar renovation project.