Construct engineered material arresting system safety area

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $498,186.32 to the Michigan Department of Transportation under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) on September 9, 2025, for the construction of an engineered material arresting system (EMAS) safety area at nonprimary airports within Michigan. This project grant carries an ultimate completion date of September 8, 2029, and functions as a state block grant program that enables MDOT to administer sub-awards to eligible nonprimary airports throughout the state.

The EMAS safety area represents a critical airport safety infrastructure improvement, designed to protect aircraft and personnel by providing a controlled deceleration surface in the event of an aircraft overshoot or emergency landing situation. As the administering entity for this block grant program, MDOT will distribute the federal funding to qualifying Michigan airports for implementation of this safety enhancement project. The funding supports the FAA's strategic objectives of safety and operational excellence while contributing to the long-term modernization and safety adequacy of Michigan's public-use airport system as outlined in the National Plan of Integrated Airports Systems.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project awards a state block grant program grant to the state of michigan to administer airport improvement program sub-awards for nonprimary airports within the state. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports in the michigan state block grant program.