Senator Hopes for Airport Improvements

BATTLE CREEK (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - One state senator hopes that airport improvements will bring jobs to the area.

Mark Schauer says for every million dollars spent in airport construction, 10 jobs are created.

That now more than ever West Michigan could really use that economic boost.

Senator Schauer has big plans for these federal dollars. At W.K. Kellogg, he'd like to see another runway added.

There's lots of traffic through there with neighbors like WMU's College of Aviation, the Air National Guard base and Duncan Aviation.

At Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport a new terminal is needed.

The Marshall Airport is also on this list of facilities in need.

The senate has already passed its own bill, but Schauer wants to see this legislation on the governor's desk no later than next week.

"If we don't act by May 1st and the state isn't able to move quickly and they're ready to move quickly, we could lose these dollars to Ohio," said Senator Schauer.

Schauer says for every million dollars spent in airport construction, 10 jobs are created.

He says that now, more than ever, West Michigan could really use that economic boost.

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