With private donations, the West Michigan Regional Airport’s terminal will be all it was planned to be, officials said Monday, Jan. 11.
Trans-Matic, Raymond James Charitable Endowment and several individuals donated north of $250,000.
“I think you’ll be very pleased with that report that will come to you in February,” West Michigan Airport Authority Manager Greg Robinson told the board that oversees the airport. “It’s awesome to see this level of commitment from the community.”
Another $150,000 to $200,000 in private donations is expected next month, he said. Items such as a ceiling to cover the metal beams and specialized glass that changes tint depending on the sun can be re-added to the project, paid for with the donations. About $430,000 in amenities were taken out when the plan came in at a higher price than expected.
The airplane apron and 7,500-square-foot building are expected to cost $6.6 million. The Federal Aviation Administration, Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and local contributors are expected to fund about 87 percent of the cost.
Construction is underway at the airport off of South Washington Avenue in Holland’s south side. Crews are beginning to enclose the building.
“I can tell you from the runway, it looks very impressive, and I’ve heard a lot of very positive comments about how nice it looks even under construction,” board secretary Russell Sylte said.
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/article/20160112/NEWS/160119775