Reconstruct terminal; rehabilitate runway markings; rehabilitate taxiway; construct/expand snow removal equipment building

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a $404,791.58 Project Grant on September 16, 2025, to the Lake Development Authority under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to support critical infrastructure improvements at Willoughby Airport in Willoughby, Ohio. The grant funds design, construction engineering, and preliminary engineering studies for a multi-component airport modernization initiative. Specific deliverables include reconstruction of 5,304 square feet of the existing terminal building and access road; construction of a new 1,100 square foot snow removal equipment building to meet current FAA standards; rehabilitation of 1,200 feet of existing taxiway A pavement to maintain structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris; and rehabilitation of runway 10/28 pavement markings to extend useful life. The project is structured in phases, with this award supporting Phase 1 design activities and Phase 3 construction engineering and preliminary studies.

The four-year project period extends from the award date through September 15, 2029, allowing the awardee to complete the necessary planning and preliminary work for airport infrastructure modernization. These improvements align with the FAA's strategic objectives of safety and operational excellence while maintaining the airport's structural integrity and compliance with federal design standards. The Lake Development Authority, a local government port authority based in Ohio, has demonstrated substantial capacity in managing federally-funded airport infrastructure projects, having previously received over $10 million in FAA grants since 2021 for comparable runway, taxiway, terminal, and equipment projects.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project constructs a new 1,100 square foot snow removal equipment building to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project reconstructs 5,304 square feet of existing terminal. This grant funds the terminal building and access road that have reached the end of their useful lives. This project rehabilitates 1,200 feet of existing paved taxiway a to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. This project rehabilitates existing runway 10/28 pavement markings at a nonprimary airport to extend their useful lives. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design. This grant funds phase 3, which consists of construction engineering and preliminary engineering studies. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with willoughby, ohio.