Detroit Metro Airport Gets $8.8 Million US Grant For Taxiway Project

ROMULUS (WWJ/AP) - Detroit Metropolitan Airport is about to get a major facelift.

U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced Wednesday that an $8.8 million federal grant for taxiway improvements has been awarded to the airport.

The Michigan Democrats said the money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Stabenow says in a statement that the grant "will make travelling to and from southeast Michigan safer and more efficient" and will encourage job creation.

Peters says the airport in suburban Romulus is a critical hub for Michigan's economy.

"This grant will allow the airport to make needed improvements so that it can continue to support Michigan's role as a center for trade, commerce and travel," he said.

Detroit Metro says it handled 32.5 million passengers and 445.5 million pounds of cargo in 2014.

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