$28 million in grants from the Biden-Harris infrastructure laws will modernize Michigan’s biggest airport
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is finally getting a long-awaited makeover, thanks to major funding made possible by the Biden-Harris infrastructure laws.
The $38 million, multi-year project will dramatically improve the main terminal’s passenger experience and energy efficiency by updating baggage carousels, public restrooms and passenger boarding bridges.
All 67 public restrooms are being updated to make it easier and faster for people to get in and out, and more accessible for people with disabilities. The old energy-guzzling lights are being replaced with more energy-efficient fixtures. Upgrades also includes the addition of gender-inclusive restrooms.
In addition to upgrading DTW’s restrooms, $17.6 million from the infrastructure law went toward renovating 18 baggage carousels and enhancing their energy efficiency. Another $4 million is being used to improve passenger boarding bridges.
The total price tag of the project is $38 million. The Wayne County Airport Authority will provide the remaining $10 million.
Detroit Metro is the state’s largest airport, with more than 30 million passengers using it annually. Statewide, aviation contributes $22 billion to the state’s economy, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
“These … grants … will improve the customer experience at Michigan’s major airports, help small businesses transport goods, and enhance domestic competitiveness,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We are grateful to our federal partners for getting this done and will continue working to grow Michigan’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and invest in every region of the state.”
Every single restroom was stripped down to the studs and rebuilt, replacing old white tile with new terrazzo flooring, lighting technology that indicates if a stall is occupied, step stools for sinks, larger sinks, lighted mirrors, convenience shelving in each stall and urinal, light-up entry signage, and more.
Three Michigan airports, including DTW, were awarded $63 million from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law to improve airport efficiency. Nationally, nearly $1 billion in grants will increase energy efficiency and provide greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“We know that airports are the gateway to America’s communities,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “They’re often the first thing you see when you arrive in a new place and the last thing you see when you leave. These investments are going to make your journeys easier.”
The first set of 67 upgraded restrooms opened in late June. Restrooms will be closed on a rolling basis to minimize passenger disruption and are expected to be completed by 2027. The baggage claim improvements have been completed, and replacing passenger boarding bridges is currently underway.
Three Key Facts:
- Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) has received $28 million in grants from the Biden-Harris infrastructure law to pay for extensive renovations and improvements are underway.
- All 67 public restrooms throughout the airport are being renovated to increase energy efficiency and improve accessibility.
- The remainder of funds are being used to update 18 baggage carousels and replace 13 passenger boarding bridges.
