GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- America now has an airport named after the
38th president.
Kent County International Airport here officially became the
Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
The former president and William Coleman, the former
transportation secretary, were among those attending ceremonies,
which included the rededication of the airport's newly renovated
terminal building.
Ford, a Grand Rapids native and long-serving U.S. Representative
from the congressional district that includes Grand Rapids,
participated in the original dedication of the airport in 1964 and
played a role in its international designation in 1977.
The $50 million terminal remodeling project, financed through
airport revenue bonds, was started in March 1998.
The project included the installation of new mechanical,
electrical and communications systems; new business centers;
additional meeting rooms; elevated ceilings and more windows to
create a brighter look, and a drop-off area canopy.
A 120-foot "welcome wall" features a mural commemorating Ford's
life.
Served by 19 passenger carriers, Michigan's second-largest
airport has more than 150 flights a day.