Aviation News Item: 03369

21st Dec 2009

Source: aero-news.net

Michigan Airport Will Not Get Grant For ILS Replacement
The FAA has denied a grant requested by Tulip City Airport for money to replace a 15-year-old ILS system airport officials say is in very poor condition.

The online news source Michigan Live reports that airport manager Ron Ludema said the cost of replacing the system is about $1 million. "It's a different piece of equipment just about every time," he told the service.

Tulip City (KBIV) is an uncontrolled airport with a single 6,000 foot runway (8/26)serving Holland, Michigan. It is owned by the City of Holland, and is home to some 51 aircraft ... 31 of those considered GA airplanes. The airport averages about 144 operations per day.

Ludema says he will now seek a 50-50 split between the state and airport users for the cost of the new system.

ANN News Analysis: We certainly hope that this instance is not the "canary in the coal mine" following so much recent national press concerning the use of FAA Airport Improvement Grants at GA and other airports with limited or no commercial traffic. ANN will monitor this situation closely. We urge you to do the same, and hope you'll let us know when such things occur. The FAA is obviously not under any obligation to honor every grant request, but given the current climate, it is certainly an issue that bears watching - ANN News Editor Tom Patton.

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