Repair/rehabilitate/modernize sponsor owned FAA contract tower

The County of Marquette, operating the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (also known as Sawyer International Airport) in Gwinn, Michigan, received a $1.5 million Project Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106), awarded on August 22, 2025. The grant funds the rehabilitation, repair, and modernization of a sponsor-owned FAA Contract Tower at the airport, with project completion scheduled for August 21, 2029. This project is eligible under the expanded eligibility provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and represents federal investment in critical regional aviation infrastructure.

The FAA Contract Tower Program supports the construction, repair, improvement, rehabilitation, and modernization of non-approach control towers and associated air traffic control and communications equipment. Through this award, the County of Marquette will enhance operational safety and efficiency at Sawyer International Airport, a regional transportation hub serving the Gwinn, Michigan area and surrounding communities. The four-year project timeline accommodates design, construction, and closeout activities typical of FAA airport infrastructure grants, with all recipient records subject to inspection by the FAA, Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, and Government Accountability Office.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project rehabilitates a sponsor owned, federal aviation administration contract tower. This project is allowable under the infrastructure investment and jobs act's expanded eligibility. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with gwinn, michigan.