MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — Millions of dollars worth of renovations are underway at the Muskegon County Airport.
Some of the work includes a $2.9 million project to modernize the terminal. Before the renovations, the terminal had original glass and carpet from 1994.
The original greenhouse-style skylights were removed and replaced with modern lighting and more energy efficient skylights.
"West Michigan is growing exponentially," said Airport Director Ken Efting. "We need an air service provider that can attend to the growing needs out here on the lakeshore."
After a decline in travelers through the airport over the past 5 years, Efting said he hopes these changes can bring back the "heyday" of air travel.
"It's the Field of Dreams mantra." said Efting. "If you build it, they will come. If we have a modern and attractive terminal for passengers, and we have reliable jet service that is the heartbeat of air service, of air travel in Muskegon, getting those things done gives us a solid foundation to build everything else on."
The current taxiway will be also be removed and replaced with a new concrete strip and taxiway system to align with FAA design standards.
That part of the project is being funded in part by 20 million dollars from the federal government.
The airport will remain open during construction.