Ford International Airport Begins $135 Million Terminal Upgrade

Thursday, April 11, 2024

The groundbreaking ceremony for the $135 million Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP) took place today at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, marking a significant investment in its infrastructure.

TEP aims to enhance the airport’s capabilities by expanding the western part of the terminal. The project focuses on increasing capacity, integrating sustainable features to improve operations, reducing the airport’s environmental impact, and enriching the overall guest experience. Key components of the expansion include:

1. Implementing a Consolidated Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) on the terminal’s lower level. This system will streamline the process of checked luggage, starting from the airline ticketing counters, passing through screening, and ending up on the aircraft.
2. Installing an Individual Carrier System (ICS) for baggage handling screening, making Gerald R. Ford International Airport the first small-hub airport in the United States to adopt this technology.
3. Creating new ticket counter spaces and consolidating all airline ticketing counters at the western end of the terminal.
4. Expanding the baggage claim area and installing larger carousels to facilitate a smoother and more modernized baggage retrieval process for arriving passengers.

“The Ford International Airport is experiencing tremendous growth, recently achieving a record-breaking year in 2023 for number of passengers served annually,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “The Federal Aviation Administration has recognized our Airport as one of the fastest growing in the country, and this investment in our facility will support this continued growth, serving our thriving community for years to come.”

TEP is an integral component of the ELEVATE capital expansion initiative, encompassing investments exceeding $600 million in vital infrastructure enhancements aimed at facilitating the growth of passengers and meeting air service demands.

Other endeavors within the ELEVATE program comprise:

• Establishing a federal inspection station (FIS) to facilitate nonstop international commercial passenger flights.
• Relocating the federally owned air traffic control tower to pave the way for various terminal-area developments, including additional tenant hangars and expanded parking facilities.
• Introducing Michigan’s inaugural consolidated rental car facility (CONRAC) to centralize all rental car operations, with groundbreaking occurring in 2023 and completion slated for 2025.
• Expanding and broadening Concourse A, a project that concluded in Spring 2024 and added eight new gates, enhanced concession and retail offerings, modern amenities, and more.
• Augmenting parking capacity to cater to the escalating guest traffic demands.

“The Airport has been a cornerstone of West Michigan for more than 60 years,” said Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “We have strategically invested in our facility and campus to ensure we support our region’s economic prosperity and vitality.

“The expansion of our infrastructure is critical to fostering the growth of our vibrant region, ensuring our community has access to essential services through a robust transportation hub that increases opportunities for global connectivity.”

Congresswoman Hillary Scholten has played a crucial role in advancing the airport’s expansion by securing federal funding for the development of TEP.

“Amid this exciting growth, we have to ensure that GRR has the tools to keep up,” said Congresswoman Scholten, who gave remarks via video at today’s groundbreaking. “Adequate airport infrastructure makes all the difference in preventing flight delays, ensuring passenger safety and enhancing the traveler experience. Investments in GRR are investments in West Michigan’s future.”

Reggie Stephens, the Michigan Federal Security Director for TSA and a crucial funding partner for TEP, shared insights on how this project will improve safety and security screening operations at the airport, spanning from the curb to take-off.

“TSA is proud to enjoy a strong partnership with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport,” said Stephens. “The addition of the inline checked baggage screening system ensures that for years to come, GRR passengers will continue to enjoy a comfortable, convenient and safe airport traveling experience.”

Stan Stek, the Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, emphasized at today’s event the crucial role of backing the Airport’s expansion initiatives to foster lasting growth within the West Michigan community for future generations.

“Kent County is not only one of the fastest-growing areas in the State but also one of the few counties in Michigan experiencing growth in the critical 20- to 30-year-old demographic,” stated Commissioner Stek. “Growth in this demographic tells us that we can anticipate new entrepreneurial initiatives, business expansions and an increased demand for modernized and innovative public services.

“At Kent County our mission is to assure that everyone in this county has access to the best, most efficient and innovative public services in the State, and nothing exemplifies this better than what is being accomplished right here at the Ford International Airport.”

The project’s completion is anticipated in 2027. The Christman Company is acting as the construction manager for TEP, while Corgan serves as the architect of record. VTC is the project manager for the design team, with Fishbeck handling project engineering, and Beumer Group taking on the role of contractor for the baggage handling system.

Construction will occur near the terminal entrance, and guests are advised to follow signage for temporary detours around the terminal curb front.

Funding for the ELEVATE program, including this project, will not come from local taxpayer dollars. Instead, it will be financed through a mix of federal and state grants, municipal bonds from the Airport, and user fees. For more details about TEP and other ongoing developments under the ELEVATE program, please visit FlyFord.org/ELEVATE.

« Back to Page