Ford Airport launches new authority

GRAND RAPIDS — The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has officially transitioned to its new authority model after 60 years as a wholly-owned asset of Kent County.

The request by West Michigan’s largest airport to transfer to a regional authority governance model was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the legislation was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder at the end of June, according to a statement.

Backers of the move say that switching to an authority model allows the airport to be more of a regional asset rather than just a part of Kent County.

The airport will now be governed by an Airport Authority Board appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Part of the board will consist of representation from outside of Kent County.

“The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a regional asset for all of West Michigan,” said Kent County Board Chair Jim Saalfeld in a statement. “In that regard, the County knows the best long-term move for the Airport is to be operated by a regional authority that includes representation from outside of the County.”