"Developing and maintaining a safe transportation system is our highest priority," said State Transportation Director Gregory J. Rosine. "These projects are essential to keeping our skyways – and the thousands of people who rely on them every day – safe and secure."

The commission approved funds for the following projects:

• $12,926,465 to Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City for the third phase of new terminal building construction, water and sewer work, flight information systems and signs, passenger loading bridges, entrance road, service road and utilities, security access control system and security fingerprinting equipment.

• $5,555,554 to Tulip City Airport in Holland for the fourth phase of runway extension.

• $2,835,263 to Pellston Regional Airport in Pellston for second phase of new terminal building construction.

• $1,184,847 to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids for security fencing, security interactive training, security vehicle, design of security access control, and security fingerprinting equipment and related training.

• $500,000 to Bishop International Airport in Flint for rehabilitating Taxiway C, fingerprint equipment and blast assessment study.

• $300,000 to Suburban Airport in Lambertville to acquire land for runway protection zone.

• $166,666 to Beaver Island Airport on Beaver Island to acquire a hangar and snow-removal equipment building.

• $166,666 to Greenville Municipal Airport in Greenville to purchase easement and clear trees.

• $166,666 to St. Clair County International Airport in Port Huron to design apron reconstruction and drainage improvements.

• $32,000 to White Cloud Airport in White Cloud to design the rehabilitation and widening of runway.

• $20,000 to Memorial Airpark in Grand Haven for designing runway approach clearing.

• $5,000 to Prickett Grooms Field in Sidnaw for property appraisal.

The commission's decision clears the way for issuance of the federal portion of the funds. Federal and state dollars for airport development come primarily from restricted, user-generated funds. The primary sources of revenue are aviation fuel, passenger taxes and aircraft registration fees.

In other action, the MAC presented its annual Awards of Excellence to State Sen. Walter North of St. Ignace and the State Bar of Michigan, Aviation Law Section.

North is a longstanding friend of pilots, passengers and other users of Michigan's air transportation system. He has served on and chaired the Michigan Aviation Legislative Caucus, acted as a strong advocate for aviation legislation, and been a fervent supporter of airports and other elements of Michigan's aeronautical infrastructure.

A diverse group of attorneys with an interest in and dedication to aviation, the State Bar of Michigan, Aviation Law Section, was recognized for its commitment to aviation education. For many years the section has presented free seminars to the flying public on various topics, including aircraft liability, insurance, buying and selling aircraft, and FAA enforcement. Section members also have served on committees and advisory boards, including the commission's general aviation committee, and have advocated for aviation legislation, offering opinion and advice.