Big announcements from Gerald R. Ford International Airport today as the airport shared news of a $90 million expansion and a new airline coming to the airport.

Midwest Express is coming to Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Midwest Express will offer a direct flights between Grand Rapids and Milwaukee. Flights are expected to begin before the end of the year.

The $90 million expansion at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, called Project Elevate, will add to Concourse A with the goal of accommodating projected passenger growth over the next 20 years.

Construction is set to begin in spring 2020. Eight gates will be added to Concourse A. The project will also include improvements to ticketing, baggage screening and baggage claim, with restrooms, dining and beverage options being added near the baggage claim. Also, the air traffic control tower will be moved from its current location atop the airport terminal to the east side of the airfield to fulfill federal line-of-sight regulations and allow more expansion of the terminal complex both out and up.

The expansion will be paid for with a combination of federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the airport and user fees.

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