Project Overview

The Northwest Regional Airport Authority, in partnership with Legacy Aviation Learning Center (LALC), has submitted a request for federal Community Project Funding under the FY26 Economic Development Initiative (EDI) program. This project will support the purchase of advanced instructional equipment for LALC's FAA Part 147-certified aviation maintenance training facility located at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan.

Community Benefits

This shovel-ready initiative will expand hands-on training capacity for high-demand technical careers in the aviation sector. It will help meet urgent workforce needs while opening new pathways to high-wage, high-skill careers, especially for veterans, rural residents, and career-changers. The project reflects strong coordination among public, private, and nonprofit partners and demonstrates a long-term investment in economic resilience for northern Michigan.

Next Steps and Acknowledgment

While this project has been submitted for federal consideration, funding is not guaranteed. Approval is contingent upon inclusion in the final FY26 federal appropriations bill and subsequent completion of a formal application and grant agreement process through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

We thank Congressman Jack Bergman for his continued advocacy for northern Michigan and his leadership in supporting workforce development and rural communities.

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