Contact: Bill House
Manager, Manistee County Blacker Airport
231-723-4351
Issued on Behalf of Manistee County Blacker Airport by the Manistee Economic Development Office
For Immediate Release
PUBLIC INVITED TO SEPT. 22 GRAND OPENING OF NEW MANISTEE COUNTY BLACKER AIRPORT TERMINAL B-17 WWI BOMBER TO BE ON DISPLAY
Manistee, Michigan – “When people walk through these doors, we want them to think ‘…this is what Manistee County is all about…” Bill House, Manager Manistee County Blacker Airport Terminal
A sparkling new Manistee County Blacker Airport Terminal capturing the look and feel of Manistee County with the latest in modern airport convenience and aeronautics technology will be officially opened on Saturday, September 22, 2007. The public is invited to the Open House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 22. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. The Airport is located on US 31, just north of the City of Manistee.
In honor of the day, a B-17 World War II vintage Bomber will be at the airport for tours and a limited number of flights.
“Air transportation and customer service are fundamental to the economic potential and quality of life of any community,” said airport manager Bill House. “We hope everyone will join us on September 22 to celebrate a remarkable milestone for Manistee County.”
The Terminal was designed by Kendra C. Thompson Architects of Manistee with some important goals in mind.
“We wanted all of the materials to be as durable as possible and require low maintenance so that our operating costs will be as low as possible,” House said.
The new Terminal features “green” architecture and manufacturing, including a low-maintenance, energy-efficient geo-thermal water heating system and in-floor radiant heating system. The exterior of the facility emphasizes natural materials and colors to blend with the environment. It has a metal roof with a 50-year life expectancy. The interior design reflects a north woods look, featuring fieldstone and wood with beautiful vaulted ceilings. The building was positioned on the site to provide visitors with outstanding views of the airport complex from the terminal. A large Terminal conference room offers space for corporate or community meetings.
House said that the Terminal replaces one built over 40 years ago and features more and better space for: screening passengers; passenger waiting areas after screening; baggage handling; and for managing general aviation involving corporate and private aircraft. The facility meets the most up-to-date security requirements governing air travel and aeronautics operations. The Terminal also offers vastly improved lit parking. A total of 18 people work at the airport complex.
“Air transportation is an essential economic development cornerstone for Manistee County,” said Renee’ Ihlenfeldt, Director of Manistee’s Economic Development Office. “This terminal is about the future prosperity of our county and gives us more flexibility and options for bringing businesses and jobs to our community.”
According to House, the experience of Midwest Airlines, the airports’ commercial carrier, reflects that interest and demand in Manistee County is growing.
Houses said that, from 2002 to 2007, the number of passengers using Midwest Airlines more than doubled, from 2,568 to over 5,500. Midwest Airlines currently offers two round trip flights daily to Milwaukee and was recently rated the #1 carrier in the United States for customer service and satisfaction.
“The new terminal, coupled with our existing field and runways, enables us to add more commercial and private traffic, including regional jets which accommodate 30-35 passengers,” House said.
“This new terminal is an important centerpiece for marketing and promoting Manistee County,” said Mary Kaye Wilkosz, President of the Advisory Committee for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. “The terminal provides all the conveniences of the most modern facility while architecturally capturing a feel and look that are distinctively Manistee. September 22 is an important day for all current and future Manistee County businesses.”
The total cost of the terminal was $2.45 million with $2.325 million generated from federal and state aeronautics funds through the Federal Aviation Administration and Michigan Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division. The Federal and State dollars are generated from existing aviation tax funds that are earmarked for initiatives such as airport improvements. A total of $125,000 was provided in local match through airport revenues. House said that U.S. Senator Carl Levin and U. S. Congressman Peter Hoekstra were particularly instrumental in securing the federal funding for the project.
“We were delighted that no local tax dollars were required to support this project,” said House. “All of the local matching dollars came directly from airport revenues.”
Also on hand on September 22 will be a B-17, WW II Bomber. The aircraft is best remembered for its dangerous daylight bombing mission over Germany during WW II while serving with the U.S. Army based in England. The aircraft will be available for tours and rides for nominal donations. House said that several organizations generously donated funds to enable the B-17 Bomber to be included in the Open House festivities, including: Martin-Marietta; Fab-Lite; Manistee National Golf and Resort; TES Tondu Energy; Mowry Leasing and Rental; Orchard Beach Aviation, Inc., Avfuel and Manistee County Blacker Airport Authority.
“We hope that many Manistee County veterans and their families will join in the Open House and tour of this historic aircraft,” House said. “While we are taking a giant leap for the future of Manistee County, we are also honoring our past. By having the B-17 on hand, visitors will be able to see the best of the best of both modern day and historic aviation.”