Construction progress on the new terminal on Oct. 9. Catherine Maxwell | Collegian

Construction on the Hillsdale Municipal Airport’s new terminal is underway after more than a three-month delay, with plans for it to be completed early in the summer of 2025.

“Construction has started, and it’s up and going great,” Airport Administrator Ginger Moore said.

According to Moore, construction began on the terminal on June 24, months after consultants from the Michigan Department of Transportation set an expected start time of March 1.

Hillsdale City Manager David Mackie said steel for the framing of the terminal was unavailable during the expected start time.

“Steel was in short supply nationally,” Mackie said. “The contractor ordered the steel but had an extended delivery time. The steel beams are a critical component in the framing of the structure.”

Aaron Jenkins, a communication representative for MDOT, said the construction delay is not out of the ordinary.

“It is common for anticipated start dates to adjust throughout the lifespan of a project,” Jenkins said. “Ultimately, MDOT’s role is administering the grant in accordance with Federal and State requirements and this project, and the airport continues to meet these requirements.”

The airport received a $2.5 million grant for the project, the only airport in Michigan to receive money for a new terminal, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that President Joe Biden signed in November 2021.

Mackie said the full project will cost $3.5 million, with the airport expecting to pay about $500,000 out of pocket.

Mackie said the project is critical for improving transportation infrastructure in Hillsdale.

“The current facilities at the airport are in poor shape and in need of substantial repairs,” Mackie said. “The new terminal is generating excitement around the airport and prompting private individuals to explore investment opportunities.”

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