MDOT names Airports, Consultant of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

CONTACT: Michael Frezell, MDOT Office of Communications, 517-335-7176

                  frezellm@michigan.gov

 MDOT names Airports, Consultant of the Year

March 1, 2017 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Aeronautics has named the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) of Romulus as the Airport Sponsor of the Year (Air Carrier Airport Category), and the West Michigan Airport Authority (WMAA) of Holland as the Airport Sponsor of the Year (General Aviation Airport Category). MDOT also recognized Mead & Hunt of Lansing as the recipient of the "Robert G. Peckham" Consultant of the Year Award.  These annual awards recognize outstanding service to Michigan aviation.

            The WCAA was recognized for sustained excellence in contribution to aviation progress in the state, and for the recent reconstruction of runway 4L/22R at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. This project also included reconstructing the associated taxiways and replacing runway and taxiway lighting systems with the latest in LED technology.

            Mark Noel, manager of the MDOT Office of Aeronautics Planning and Development Section, said while presenting the award to the WCAA that the airport earned the recognition in particular for "completing this major project, critical to the airport's operational efficiency and business continuity, in one construction season and opening the runway ahead of schedule." Accepting the award for the WCAA were Joe Nardone, chief executive officer, and Tom McCarthy, vice president of Facilities, Design and Construction. 

            The WMAA was recognized for its efforts in promoting general aviation and for coordinating local efforts involved in the recent completion of their new state-of-the-art Airport Business Center and aircraft apron project at the West Michigan Regional Airport in Holland. Noel recognized the airport during the award presentation as "a valuable community asset that greatly enhances the airport's position as the primary access hub for economic and global activity for the region." Accepting the award for the WMAA were Russ Sylte, chairperson, and Tim Klunder, past chairperson.

            Recognized for their work in aviation consulting services and airport development throughout the state, Mead & Hunt has served clients for more than a century and has been a lead partner in numerous outstanding general aviation and primary airport projects. "They continue to strive for the satisfaction of the people they serve with the highest level of integrity," Noel said. Accepting the award for the company was Ron Engel, group leader, Aviation Services. 

            This is the 26th year the MDOT Office of Aeronautics has presented the annual awards.

Photo Attachments:

Airport Sponsor of the Year (Air Carrier Airport Category): Mark Noel (left), manager of the MDOT Office of Aeronautics Planning and Development Section, presents the award to Joe Nardone (middle), chief executive officer, and Tom McCarthy (right), vice president of Facilities, Design and Construction, of the Wayne County Airport Authority. © 2017 MDOT Photography Unit

Airport Sponsor of the Year (General Aviation Airport Category): Mark Noel (left) presents the award to Russ Sylte (middle), chairperson, and Tim Klunder (right), past chairperson, of the West Michigan Airport Authority. © 2017 MDOT Photography Unit

Consultant of the Year: Mark Noel (left) presents the award to Ron Engel, group leader, Mead & Hunt Aviation Services. © 2017 MDOT Photography Unit

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