The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is thanking voters and supporters for approving a ten-year renewal of its millage on Tuesday.
The millage easily passed in all five of the Berrien County municipalities where it was on the ballot. Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Board President Brandon Cerecke tells us the result is a “smashing success,” even better than he expected.
“It was a resounding commitment that we got from the taxpayers and community that are supporting us and saying that this is something worthwhile, investing our hard-earned dollars into,” Cerecke said. “So we’re very happy that it was approved by the margins that we saw last night.”
Cerecke says the airport now has a chance to continue serving the community.
“I think it means that it’s another 10 years that we have that we can use the investment of the community to leverage that for continued success. I’d like to see some expansions. I’d like to see more diversity and new revenue streams that we can generate through the airport, as well as just maintaining the critical infrastructure and keeping the team that we have in place.”
Cerecke says throughout the renewal campaign, he heard from people who value the safety and economic growth that the airport supports. As for those who opposed the millage, he says a lot of people are struggling right now and want less taxes, something he doesn’t fault them for.
Cerecke thanked the partners who helped the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport share its story throughout the campaign, in particular the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, the Friends of the Airport, and Whirlpool.
