The West Michigan Regional Airport’s renovation and rehabilitation project is complete. The project was funded by several grants received through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the CARES Act.
The project focused on improving the runway and replacing old fixtures to reduce the airport’s energy consumption. These improvements will create a better experience for staff and guests.
Facility upgrades included:
- the complete removal and replacement of the runway pavement
- replacing the incandescent lights along the runway with state-of-the-art, low-energy LED lighting
- replacing aged “Distance Remaining” signs and 16 taxiway guidance signs
- replacing the aged Xenon REILs with New LED REILs (Runway End Identifier:Lights)
LEDs use approximately 75% less energy than the older incandescent bulbs and last 25% longer. The upgraded lights will aid us in improving our facility’s energy efficiency while maintaining a safe, well-lit runway for pilots. The new runway pavement provides a smoother landing and take-off experience for all planes coming into or leaving our airport
These improvements will enhance runway safety while providing WMRA visitors and staff with a better experience. Questions about the construction project at the West Michigan Regional Airport can be directed to Aaron Thelenwood, West Michigan Regional Airport Director at a.thelenwood@wmraa.org.
