"The Legislature's action clears the way for nearly $1 billion worth of safety and protection improvements to Michigan airports," Rosine said. "This legislation will put us in prime position to land federal security dollars when they become available."

The Airport Safety and Protection plan combines state, federal and local funds with bond proceeds to ensure new security measures are in place. These measures include controlled airport access, passenger and baggage screening, terminal modifications and employee screening.

The ASAP Plan will annually invest $6 million of the Airport Parking Tax collected at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Five million dollars will support the issuance of $60 million in state bonds. In turn, bond revenue will help Michigan leverage $160 million in federal funds each year. The state and federal funds combined with private and local funds will provide for $1 billion in airport improvements statewide during the next five years.

The other $1 million from the Airport Parking Tax will be combined with $1 million from the State Aeronautics Fund. This flexible pool of funds will be used for high priority safety and protection projects, such as security access control and passenger/baggage screening systems that may not be eligible for funding through bonds.