IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County will receive $650,000 in federal funds to rehabilitate runways at the Ford Airport. The grant was announced by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration as a part of the Runway Incursion Mitigation Program.

“Ensuring Michigan airports have modern infrastructure is important for the well-being of travelers, as well as economic growth,” said Peters. “I’m pleased that this funding will help upgrade the airport’s runway to promote safe air travel and increase tourism and commerce in the Upper Peninsula.”

The Runway Incursion Management program helps airports reduce the risk of runway incursions. Incursions occur when an aircraft, vehicle, or person enters the protected area of an airport designated for aircraft landings and take offs. The FAA has developed an updated inventory of airport locations where runway incursions have occurred and is now working with airports on mitigation strategies.