Richmond Municipal Airport successfully landed a $1.4 million federal grant to improve its accommodations for passengers and pilots.
The Airport Terminal Program grant through the $1.2 trillion 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a significant portion of the financing necessary to replace the 80-year-old terminal at 5169 Indiana 227.
The new terminal project is anticipated to cost $3 million total, including $2,425,000 for construction.
“This award represents a major step forward for Richmond Municipal Airport and our community,” Mayor Ron Oler said in a news release. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver meaningful investments in local infrastructure, and this funding will help ensure our airport can better serve residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”
The grant requires a $35,000 match from airport funds, and the state will contribute another $35,000.
Federal Aviation Administration previously awarded the city $257,165 to cover architectural and engineering design, site preparation and environmental assessments. That grant, the project’s shovel-ready status and Congressman Jefferson Shreve’s support were considered factors that would help Richmond receive the $1.4 million grant.
The city’s Aviation Board had already secured about $2 million in funding from federal, state and city money; a $200,000 private contribution; and airport funds.
While waiting to learn if the FAA grant would be awarded, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County voted earlier this year to contribute $250,000 that now could be used for delayed maintenance such as replacing an aging tractor for mowing, runway lighting and painting, and paving.
More than 15,000 operations occur annually at the airport. The new terminal is designed by architectural firm LWC Incorporated to enhance safety, accessibility and passenger experiences.
The new terminal will feature three times more passenger waiting space, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms, after-hours pilot access, a community room plus large windows and a patio with runway views.
Airport board chair Jonathan Meade and Valerie Shaffer, EDC president, have described the airport as a gateway to Wayne County for many visitors, especially business leaders who are current community investors or might invest in the future.
A version of this article appeared in the May 27 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.