Hillsdale Municipal Airport received a grant from the state. Jillian Parks | Collegian
The Hillsdale Municipal Airport will receive almost $150,000 in state grants to maintain and develop the airport within the next year.
The airport will use the funds to pay for sealing and painting the airport’s runways and taxiway and to purchase a John Deere 5095M utility tractor, which will help remove snow from runway, according to Hillsdale Airport Manager Ginger Moore.
“We have a couple of old snow plows, but they cannot handle all of the type of snow removal that has to happen,” Moore said. “The tractor will help tremendously.”
The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Aeronautics Commission announced the 33 airports will receive a total of $4 million for airport development as part of the 2025 State and Local Airport Program.
“Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure. Let’s keep working together to improve infrastructure in Michigan and better connect our small business owners, people, and families.”
The airports approved for grants were chosen based on their project timelines, project justification, airport license status, and alignment with the 2017 Michigan Airport System Plan according to Michael Frezell, communications director at MDOT.
“This important State and Local Program provides essential funding, ensuring airport infrastructure investment for safe, efficient, and reliable travel for businesses and communities alike, at airports large and small across our state,” Ben Carter, chair of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission said.
The grants come as Acting Mayor Joshua Paladino seeks to move the airport off city tax funds and toward financial self-sufficiency. The program funds will address unfunded airport maintenance, capital development, revenue generation, and equipment needs, according to Frezell.
Hillsdale’s general aviation airport caters to hobby flyers, private pilots, and business jets, according to Moore. In the past five years, the airport has undergone many repairs and improvements such as adding the Hillsdale Flight Center in 2024 and the initiatives to add and repair terminals.
“Hillsdale Airport has been working hard improving the airport and staying in good standing for general utility license,” Moore said.
Send tips to the City News team: collegiancitynews@gmail.com
