Crews to Finish $500,000 Grand Haven Airport Expansion Soon

Jan. 04--Construction crews are putting the final touches on a nearly half-million dollar project that is intended to make the Grand Haven Memorial Airport a better place for the community.

"It's a little bit behind schedule, but we're anticipating it being completed in January," Grand Haven Transportation Director Tom Manderscheid said of the airport expansion project. "All of the internal work is in progress right now."

Manderscheid had hoped to have the project wrapped up by now, but it was delayed in part due to the availability of some construction materials.

"It kind of threw the whole schedule off," he said.

The bulk of the project at the airport, 16446 Comstock St., is the addition of a 1,500-square-foot multipurpose room that seats 50 people. It features a doorwall to divide the room and a door to separate the area from the rest of the terminal.

Also included in the project is a kitchenette and handicap-accessible restrooms. The airport's parking lot was also expanded and upgraded.

"We needed more space to do flight instruction and safety instruction for pilots," Manderscheid explained. "Also, the Experimental Aircraft Association meets (here) monthly."

Manderscheid said the multipurpose room will be available for use by anyone in the community, from hosting a baby shower to business meetings.

"I think that the expansion -- to see it come to fruition -- is really good, and it's great for the airport," Mayor Geri McCaleb said.

The project's total cost is $458,000. Most of the money comes from state and federal transportation grants, with the city chipping in $23,000. Manderscheid noted the city's portion comes from the airport fund, which is made up of money generated from hangar rentals.

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