Small Michigan airport spends $7.5 million in federal money for new terminal
Pellston Regional Airport in northern Michigan serves an average of 72 passengers per day, and it spent $7.5 million in federal funds to build a new terminal that features three stone fireplaces, exposed log beams for décor and ticket counters with stone façades. The project was deemed low priority by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) when it was proposed in 2001.
The FAA instituted a national initiative to upgrade terminals at small airports that are often deteriorating and contaminated with asbestos, with no other available source of funding. The Pellston Airport had hoped that the new terminal would attract more flights and passengers, but the number of departures has decreased 22% since the terminal opened in 2004, and departing passengers have decreased 32%.
For the full story, go to USA Today.
