LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – In an effort to expand cargo infrastructure, a significant amount of federal money will be invested in the Capital Region International Airport (LAN).

The Capital Region Airport Authority announced Monday that $8.183 million in federal funding will be used to expand the existing loading ramp.

The expansion will help current and future freight operations at LAN.

This federal funding will allow us to expand our cargo operations at the airport and give us the ability to better meet current demand and future growth as well as diversify revenues. This could not have been done without the support of our local, state and federal partners and we would like to thank them for their continued support and look forward to launching this project.

Nicole Noll-Williams, President and CEO of CRAA

Despite a large sum of money from the federal government, the expansion will cost a total of $11.9 million.

The additional $3.717 million needed to complete the project will come from the Airport Improvement Program and local matching funds.

According to LAN, approximately 60.7 million pounds of freight pass through the airport each year, with ever-increasing quantities of cargo.

The new ramp expansion should give 63% more ramp space.

Michigan lawmakers are excited about what the new draft means for Lansing.

“The Capital Region International Airport is vital to Michigan’s economy and to connecting the region to important markets and destinations,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I was pleased to support the airport’s request for federal funding. This investment will not only expand cargo operations at the airport, but also create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.

“These funds are an important investment in Port Lansing and will strengthen Central Michigan’s role as a central hub for imports and exports in the region,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “This investment in airport infrastructure will be a catalyst for new businesses, new jobs and economic growth.

“Passing the two bipartisan funding bills last week was critical to preventing the risk of a government shutdown and funding priorities such as veterans’ medical care through the VA and the bipartisan law on infrastructure, which will create thousands of jobs in Michigan,” Rep. Elissa said. Slotkin. “I am also thrilled that the package includes significant funding for the Lansing community, including more than $8.1 million for a loading ramp extension at Lansing Capital Region International Airport. With more and more goods moving through Lansing, this funding will help ensure that LAN continues to drive economic development in the Tri-County area and support the livelihoods of so many Michigan workers and families.

The construction project is expected to create over 200 short-term jobs, with construction beginning in the second quarter of 2022.