TITTABAWASSEE TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -
(02/26/13) - The Michigan Department of Transportation has high praise for a Mid-Michigan airport. MBS International in Saginaw County has been named MDOT's 'airport of the year.'
Passengers arriving and departing MBS say the new $55 million terminal is a big improvement. It opened last October, nearly a year ahead of schedule.
"We were able to do it in a very dramatic fashion. It's a beautiful building. The architects were able to do a great job with the overall design," said Jeff Nagel, MBS airport director.
MDOT says airport officials have provided an exceptional facility that will enhance the economic viability of its service area for years to come. The new terminal is expected to serve the air travel needs of passengers for the next 40-50 to years.
"We needed to replace the old building. We did two studies that said we need to do something. We're preparing for the future, whatever that may be," Nagel said.
Last year, nearly 272,000 commercial passengers used MBS. While those numbers probably won't increase much in the next few years, those who fly in and out of here appreciate the improvements.
MBS attracts passengers from Mid-Michigan and northern Michigan. These passengers say they prefer a smaller airport as compared to Detroit Metro or Chicago O'Hare.
"To try to get in the bigger ones, it's such a problem. It's just nice to come to these smaller ones to get in and get right out, find our way around," said Tim Blain of Lake, Michigan, who is flying to Texas.
Although the MDOT Airport of the Year award only comes with a plaque and a pat on the back, it is appreciated.
"With over 200 public service airports in the state of Michigan, it's really an honor," Nagel said.
