Construct/expand snow removal equipment building; reconstruct snow removal equipment

On August 28, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a Project Grant of $1,972,841.05 to the MBS International Airport Commission under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to support infrastructure modernization at MBS International Airport in Freeland, Michigan. This Phase 1 design-phase grant funds the planning and engineering necessary to expand the airport's snow removal equipment building by 13,900 square feet, bringing the facility into compliance with current federal standards, and to procure replacement snow removal equipment including a carrier vehicle with rotary plow attachment and a wheel loader that have reached the end of their service lives. The project is anticipated to be completed by August 27, 2029.

The award directly supports the FAA's strategic objectives of safety and operational excellence by enabling the Saginaw, Michigan region airport to maintain critical winter weather response capabilities and modernize aging equipment and facilities. As a Phase 1 design project, the funding specifically covers architectural and engineering design work that will establish the technical and cost specifications for the subsequent construction and equipment procurement phases, positioning the airport to proceed with full project implementation following design completion.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project expands an existing 8,800 square foot snow removal equipment building by 13,900 square feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project replaces existing snow removal equipment including one carrier vehicle with rotary plow attachment that has reached the end of its useful life. This project replaces existing snow removal equipment including one wheel loader that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with saginaw, michigan.