Extend/expand runway; realign taxiway

The County of Kalamazoo, operating the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport, received a $3.6 million project grant awarded September 3, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106), administered by the Federal Aviation Administration's Great Lakes Region office. The grant funds multiple phases of critical airport infrastructure improvements, including acquisition of approximately 5 acres of Runway 17 easement rights, removal of tree obstructions, procurement of 0.60 acres of wetland mitigation bank, and a reimbursable construction oversight and equipment installation agreement extending through August 2027. These initiatives support the primary project objectives of extending the existing Runway 17/35 by 450 feet to accommodate increased aircraft operations and realigning Taxiway C by 30 degrees to achieve conformity with current Federal Aviation Administration standards.

The project is scheduled for completion by September 2, 2029, and represents a targeted investment in regional transportation infrastructure through the Airport Improvement Program, which supports the development, modernization, and maintenance of public-use airport systems nationwide. The funding enables the airport to enhance operational capacity and safety compliance while supporting long-term economic benefits for the Kalamazoo region through improved aviation infrastructure capabilities.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project extends existing paved runway 17/35 an additional 450 feet in length to accommodate more aircraft operations. This project realigns existing paved taxiway C by 30 degrees to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase 3, which consists of approximately 5 acres of runway 17 easement acquisition. This grant funds phase 4, which consists of tree obstruction removal. This grant funds phase 5, which consists of the purchase of 0.60 acres of wetland bank for the mitigation of wetlands. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of funding a reimbursable agreement for construction oversight and equipment installation. The reimbursable agreement is scheduled to conclude in august 2027. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with kalamazoo, michigan.