Federal money targets Concourse B at West Michigan's busiest airport

Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Cascade Township is set to receive $6 million in federal funding for upgrades to Concourse Terminal B, according to an announcement from U.S. Rep. Hilary Scholten.

The money comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation and will fund energy efficient improvements, new security rooms, and updated restrooms at the concourse that serves four airlines and eight gates.

"GRR is the gateway to West Michigan and a critical economic anchor of our whole region," Scholten said in a statement. "I'm proud to announce this funding to upgrade and improve Concourse B, which houses four airlines and eight gates, and I look forward to seeing how the project improves the travel experience for millions of passengers each year."

Scholten, a Democrat and member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said she will continue working to deliver federal investments for West Michigan infrastructure.

This follows a larger terminal expansion

The $6 million is part of a broader modernization effort at the airport. In 2024, the airport received $7 million from the federal government for the second phase of a 70,500 square-foot terminal expansion, according to WOODTV.

"As part of the national, once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, the bipartisan infrastructure law is helping offset the cost of critical airport improvements for Michigan travelers," Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said in a statement.

Richardson said the new federal funds will support upgrades to Concourse B focused on accessibility, energy efficiency, and an improved guest experience.

Why it matters for Cascade residents

The airport sits in Cascade Township, just south of Grand Rapids. It serves as the primary commercial airport for West Michigan and handles millions of passengers each year.

For residents in Cascade and surrounding Kent County communities, the upgrades mean improved security infrastructure and more energy efficient facilities at the terminal they use to fly.

The airport authority said the federal support helps reduce the burden on local taxpayers to fund the improvements.

No timeline was provided for when construction on the Concourse B upgrades will begin.