Transportation

My Town: Ford Airport prepares to unveil new logo

Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Thursday, December 11th, 2014, 3:19pm

KENT COUNTY, Mich.-- The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is getting ready to revamp its logo and brand.

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, airport officials will unveil a new logo and brand promise that supports the airport's marketing campaign for 2015. The event will also include a cake adorned with the airport's new logo.

Ford Airport's current logo highlights the travel hub's 50th anniversary. The airport hit that milestone in 2013.

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Thursday, November 20th, 2014, 11:03am

My Town: More than $95 million in improvements coming to Ford Int'l Airport

----NEWS RELEASE----

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is committed to providing state of the art facilities for its passengers, and the Airport will do just that by investing to improve its facilities with future projects. GFIA’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which was approved by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board at today’s meeting, will include projects from 2015 through 2020 that total over $95 million.

The anticipated CIP includes a substantial investment in the construction of the Consolidated Checkpoint & Marketplace, reconstruction of the terminal apron, a master plan update, and reconstruction of the North and East Parking Lots. In addition, the plan includes resurfacing a portion of the airfield Perimeter Road, and mid-term maintenance items associated with the public parking structure.

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Monday, July 14th, 2014, 11:57am

My Town: Prepare for more construction cones on I-96

LOWELL TOWNSHIP, Mich.—More construction cones are going up on Interstate 96 near Lowell.

From 9 p.m. Monday, July 14 through 5 a.m. Thursday, July 17, drivers can expect lane closures on eastbound I-96 from Quiggle to Timpson avenues and on westbound I-96 from Morse Lake Road to Whitneyville Avenue.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says workers will be working on improving the road. MDOT warns there will be no workers present in the construction zone when the concrete is curing, and work may be delayed if inclement weather occurs.

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Thursday, July 3rd, 2014, 7:51am

My Town: School districts look to hire nearly 100 bus drivers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The Kent Intermediate School District is looking to add to its team of bus drivers.

Kent ISD will be holding a bus driver job fair July 10, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nearly 100 positions are available, covering nearly a dozen school districts, including:

Caledonia Community Schools
Cedar Springs Public Schools
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Forest Hills Public Schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grandville Public Schools
Kelloggsville Public Schools
Lowell Area Schools
Sparta Area Schools
Wyoming Public Schools
Kent ISD Special Education

The job fair will take place at the Kent ISD’s Educational Service Center, located at 2930 Knapp NE in Grand Rapids. Candidates must be at least 21, have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record and pass a drug test and criminal background check.

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Caught Being Safe program launches statewide

Submitted by Tyler Lecceadone on Monday, June 30th, 10:04 am

Michigan State Police, local law enforcement and Michigan’s Field Neurosciences Institute have teamed up with McDonald’s of Michigan to once again launch “Caught Being Safe,” a statewide bicycle/scooter helmet safety program. Kids wearing helmets and “caught being safe” by participating law enforcement officials will treated to a free ice cream cone or Apple Dippers at McDonald’s.

According to the Field Neurosciences Institute (of Michigan): “Caught Being Safe! has shown a significant increase in both helmet utilization and public awareness regarding the critical importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. This program has impacted not only children but adults as well.”

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Wednesday, June 25th, 2014, 2:39pm

My Town: Ford Airport awarded $3.8 million grant for safety upgrades

KENTWOOD, Mich.—The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is getting millions of dollars for safety upgrades.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced it is awarding a $3.8 million grant to the airport to purchase an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle, rehabilitate runway lighting and build a deicing containment facility.

"Making sure passengers are able to travel to and from West Michigan is vital to the state’s economy," said Senator Debbie Stabenow. "This support will help ensure that the Gerald R. Ford International Airport can continue to keep people travelling safely and increase business activity to boost the economy."

“Airports are essential to tourism, economic development and cultural exchange,” Senator Carl Levin added. “This federal funding will ensure that a vital cog in the West Michigan economy keeps humming.”

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Thursday, May 22nd, 2014, 2:35pm

My Town: Ford Airport honored for response to brutal winter

KENTWOOD, Mich.-- Winter is long behind us, but the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is being honored for how it handled the brutal conditions.

The airport was recently awarded the Balchen/Post Award for Outstanding Achievement in Airport Snow & Ice Control. The award was presented during the International Aviation Snow Symposium. The Ford Airport won the small category, which is for airports that have less than 100,000 scheduled take-offs and landings each year.

“We all know how challenging this past winter was for our staff and that meant additional work and long hours making sure our airfield and operations were safe and secure,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks. “This is a tremendous achievement for our staff, and I cannot say enough about the hard working airport operations and field maintenance crews who are the recipients of this award. We are very proud to be recognized as the best among our peers.”